The leadership tussle between the relatives Namatanai MP Walter Schnaubelt and Provincial Member Byron Chan over the New Ireland Governor’s Office was put to rest yesterday when the National Court intervened with a court order.
The National Court has ordered Schnaubelt to immediately vacate the Office of the Governor of New Ireland Province and refrain from exercising any powers associated with the role.
Related news: https://www.postcourier.com.pg/court-orders-walter-schnaubelt-to-vacate-new-ireland-governors-office/
Justice Pauline Bre issued the interim orders in Waigani, directing police to restore order and remove barricades, chains, and locks that have blocked access to the Provincial Assembly and Governor’s office.
The court also imposed a 100-metre exclusion zone around the provincial government premises and barred Schnaubelt from convening Provincial Executive Council meetings.
The orders were granted in favor of newly elected provincial member Byron Chan, who has been unable to assume the governor’s office since his election last month due to the blockades.
The dispute arose following the death of former governor Sir Julius Chan. Chan was later elected provincial member and sworn into Parliament on February 20.