H.E. Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, GCL, GCMG, KStJ, Governor General of Papua New Guinea, has commended Members of Parliament and Speaker of National Parliament for the stance they have taken to accept the decision of the Supreme Court which had ruled the sitting of Parliament on November 17th 2020, unconstitutional and therefore nullified, the passing of the 2021 National Budget and adjournment of Parliament until April 2021.
Grand Chief Sir Bob said, the conduct of Members of Parliament from both Government and Opposition camps to humbly accept the decision of the Supreme Court to go back to Parliament on December 14th, 2020 without reluctance or complaint, is commendable and demonstrates respect and acceptance of the democratic system of government we have and the demarcation of the three arms of government.
Grand Chief Sir Bob said, Speaker of Parliament also played a commendable role in accepting the decision of the Supreme Court, as head of the Legislative arm of Government.
“The actions of the Speaker alone in accepting the decision of the Supreme Court demonstrates the importance of the position he holds as head of the legislature. The stance he had taken to resign from a political party in order to maintain the neutrality of the Speaker’s Chair in Parliament is admirable as it is critical to the decisions he makes on the floor of Parliament and to maintain neutrality,” Grand Chief Sir Bob said.
The Governor General also praised the public, in particular residents of the nation’s capital for not taking matters into their own hands and for respecting the Supreme Court’s decision on the matter.
“”Whatever happens on the floor of Parliament, as law abiding citizens, we must not take the law into our own hands. If there’s a matter for the Courts to interpret, let the Law deal with it. The residents of our nation’s capital are to be commended for maintaining peace throughout this period. This demonstrates respect for the law and I urge us all to continue the same conduct,” Grand Chief Sir Bob said.
The Governor General has also confirmed that he is well and healthy despite rumours to the contrary, and has decided not to take his annual leave this year and will remain in Port Moresby until such time the current political situation is settled.