Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika yesterday extended his order restraining Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Minister Wesley Raminai from interfering with the administration of the University of Goroka (UOG) and gave a tongue-lashing on those locked in a row over positions in the UOG.
The tussle over positions in the university does not reflect people who has attained the highest level of education.
– Justice Salika before extending an interim injunction in the Waigani National Court.
Those who are fighting in this case have reached the highest pinnacle of education.
But their behaviour does not reflect the behaviour of those who had attained the highest pinnacle of education.
This is our country, we will make it or break it, and we will make it prosper or make it a failed state. PNG needs to wake up to this.
If we are to do things, do it orderly and have respect for one another.
UOG is a national institution and it should be respected by politicians and everyone.
Our children’s education will be affected by this way of whoever is the legitimate vice-chancellor or legitimate council members.
The interim orders were obtained in a case filed by appointed UOG chancellor Joseph Sukwianomb last Friday, which challenged the minister’s decision revoking his appointment and the members of the UOG interim council. Raminai in his decision gazetted No. G213 dated April 19, appointed a new interim council and an acting vice-chancellor Dr Teng Waninga.
After much deliberation about the case with the lawyers representing the parties, Sir Gibbs adjourned the case to Tuesday for hearing of leave for trial, joint application and any other applications the parties wished to file.
He ordered for the interim orders to be extended after lawyer Herbert Wally representing Sukwianomb, informed the court that Waninga, who was appointed by the minister, questioned the interim orders when he was served.
Wally requested that the interim orders be extended as Waninga refused to comply with the orders and continued to occupy the office of the vice-chancellor.
Meanwhile, Sir Gibbs told parties to find out about the procedures and process of appointment of the university council to help in expediting the case.