Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has announced that the government will strongly defend its position following a surprise ex parte court order obtained by former Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) Chairman, saying that the position of Chairman is not for just one person. The Board of KPHL had successfully obtained a court order to stay the implementation of recent purported board appointments by Instruments of Appointment that were signed off by the company’s Trustee Shareholder, Prime Minister Marape. The stay, issued by the Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika in the National Court, halts the purported appointment of Gerea Aopi as Chairman of KPHL, along with the purported appointments of George Gware, Jacob Anga, and Sundaram Srinivasan as directors. Marape said the former KPHL Chairman, Dr Benedict Yaru, who served for more than two terms—amounting to nine years—reportedly applied for the interim order in the absence of representation from the State or trustee shareholder. “This matter was taken to court in secret, without notifying the State or giving us the opportunity to be represented. An ex parte order was obtained, and we were only made aware after the fact,” Prime Minister Marape said. “It must be noted that most of the outgoing board members had already served two full terms—the legal maximum of eight years. In fact, Dr Yaru served nine years. One member had also surpassed the compulsory retirement age of 72.” Marape further stressed that KPHL Board positions are not personal entitlements and must be refreshed regularly to ensure continued accountability and oversight. Dr. Yaru said the Board respects the Kumul Trustee’s prerogative to appoint or remove directors from the Board, but emphasized the need to uphold sound governance principles, and gave the board’s commitment to cooperate in that regard. “We believe the appointments did not follow the correct procedure. Our board has a responsibility to protect the governance and integrity of the company and the reputation we have built in the international oil, LNG and financial market.” “KPHL has already commenced discussions with top tier international counterparties to market its own share of LNG from the Papua Gas Project and to raise its share of financing for that project which amounts to around US$1.5 Billion. So, it is especially critical at this time to maintain stability and to encourage a smooth transition, given the fact that the Papua Project aims to take FID in December 2025.” “The stay order creates the opportunity for the Kumul Trustee and the current board to move forward via the usual consultative dialogue that will ensure that any and all nominees are processed in compliance with the qualifications and “fit and proper” requirements, as well as the processes prescribed by the KPHLA Act and so similarly for any removals,” said Dr. Yaru. However, the prime minister on the other hand explained that the changes to the KPHL Board were made following due process and in accordance with legal guidance from the State Solicitor. “The advice we received confirmed that a vacancy existed, and that the trustee shareholder—the Prime Minister—is legally empowered to appoint a new board. These appointments were necessary to restore proper governance oversight at Kumul Petroleum,” PM Marape said. “The KPHL Board is not owned by any one individual. Leadership must be rotated to bring in new perspectives and strengthen scrutiny of management.” He also defended the appointment of Mr. Gerea Aopi as the new KPHL Chairman, describing him as a seasoned leader in the oil and gas sector. “Mr. Aopi is a highly respected Papua New Guinean with a distinguished record in both the public and private sectors. He knows the oil and gas industry, understands the strategic importance of Kumul Petroleum, and is well placed to guide its future growth.” Prime Minister Marape concluded by stating that the Government will not be distracted by attempts to undermine the reform process at KPHL. Meanwhile, the Court Order will allow the current board to continue managing the company’s affairs while the legal matter proceeds in court to conclusion. In the meantime, the Board will work with the Kumul Trustee to ensure a smooth transition in the Board appointments.