21 February 2011

PORT MORESBY:  The hope of a nation is pinned on the strength of it’s Judiciary, and the final defeat of democracy is for the head of the Judiciary to bring into question the independence of the Judiciary.

Effrey Dademo, Program Manager of ACT NOW!, an advocacy group says, “ the  timing and reasons given by the Attorney General and former Chief Justice, Arnold Amet  in the sacking of the Public Prosecutor implies political influence exists within the judiciary…”

ACT NOW! says last week, the Attorney General discouraged the public from “putting pressure” on the Chief Justice to appoint a leadership tribunal to hear leadership charges against his boss. Exactly 5 days later, this same Attorney General has sacked the Chief Prosecutor, who will present the case before the tribunal for “failing to perform” without explaining the latter’s non-performance.  People are entitled to conclude that this is everything but a coincidence.

Constitutional Offices such as the Office of the Public Prosecutor and the Ombudsman Commission have for a long time been starved off vital funds to perform their constitutional responsibilities effectively, says Ms Dademo.

If the Public prosecutor has been sacked for “non-performance” than that non-performance, other than mere incompetence, is the doing of the Minister and his government. The Attorney General will do well if he starts by ensuring these offices are adequately funded, a job he needs to move mountains to get done, and is as much guilty of non-performance himself, in this regard.

For further information and comment contact Effrey Dademo on 7689 5266 and at effrey@actnowpng.org