PNG Governor-General Backtracks, Says O’Neill is PM
Papua New Guinea Governor-General Michael Ogio on Monday recognised Peter O'Neill as the prime minister saying he erred in reinstating Sir Michael Somare in that post earlier.
"Any decision to swear in the Somare government in law is wrong and invalid,'' Ogio said in a letter sent to parliament, according to Al Jazeera. The advice I received was wrong. I recognise the election of Peter O'Neill as prime minister.''
The parliament, in response, lifted the suspension of Ogio effectively reinstating him to his position.
Last week, the parliament replaced Ogio with speaker Jeffery Nape after the former swore in Somare, 75, as prime minister. Then Nape swore in O'Neill, 46, giving the country two prime ministers.
O'Neill declared the leadership crisis over telling reporters that it is the parliament that makes and changes governments. He called on all political parties to work together and prepare for next year's elections.
For his part, Somare refuses to concede. He is seeking a meeting with O'Neill.
In an interview with ABC, Somare insisted that the Supreme Court reinstalled his government.
The political crisis started in August when lawmakers voted O'Neill as the new prime minister while Somare was being treated abroad. Somare eventually returned and on Dec. 12, the Supreme Court ruled that O'Neill's election was unconstitutional because Somare did not resign. The parliament refused to accept the ruling.