PM be given benefit of the doubt: Naru

 

Caption: A relaxed Prime Minister O’Neill having a chat with Samarai Murua MP Gordon Wesley, on the back benches, as debate continues.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, July 24, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

MOROBE Governor Kelly Naru has said that Prime Minister O’Neill be given the benefit of the doubt as guaranteed by the constitution of his innocence till proven guilty in light of various allegations levelled against the him.

His comments were made during debate of the vote of no confidence which saw the ruling government maintain its place till the general elections in 2017.

The governor, in his extensive statement to the house, said all allegations such as the Paraka saga, K3 billion UBS loan, purchase of Israeli Generators, downturn in the economy and other issues were all subject to the law.

“Most of these issues have also been raised by university students, NGOs civil society groups and some concerned professionals and their unions,” Naru said.

“The general call was that based on these allegations of wrongdoing in office, that the Prime Minister must step down or step aside and submit himself to the law or police for questioning in relation to these allegations.”

“Prime Minister has refused to step aside. In his defense he has responded to the allegations against him and even took out full page newspaper replies in relation to the allegation.”

The governor said on one hand are the allegation levelled against the PM to step down and submit himself to questioning and other he refuses that raises who is right is right in the instance.

“Under section 37 (1) of our constitution very person including the PM has the right to the full protections of the law.”

“Under our constitution and the laws no one can be held liable of an offence or found guilty of an offence unless he is first charged, processed, and found guilty according to the law, person found innocent and guilty.”

“Sect 155 of constitution provides that only the national judicial system of courts is the appropriate prescribe body to dispense justice.”

“All or most of these claims or issues are now before the courts, because of the fact that these issues are now before the courts we will need to wait for the courts to dispense justice.”

Naru maintained the need for restraint and patience.

“However long it takes justice must and will prevail.”

“Based on this the PM must be given the benefit of doubt. He is innocent until proven guilty.”