Can ICAC Overcome the Fate of Task Force Sweep? Independent Commission Against Corruption

The establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) marks a significant milestone in the nation's fight against corruption. With the recent arrival of highly qualified and experienced ICAC Commissioners, the government, led by Prime Minister James Marape, has demonstrated its commitment to addressing the devastating impact of corruption on PNG's progress. 

This article examines the pros and cons of ICAC and compares it to the Investigative Task Force Sweep Team, headed by Sam Koim during the leadership of former Prime Minister Peter O'Neill between 2012 and 2019.

File photo

Pros of ICAC and its Role in Fighting Corruption

1. Strengthening Accountability: ICAC provides an independent and dedicated institution solely focused on combating corruption. By investigating and prosecuting corruption cases, it enhances accountability within government bodies and public institutions.

2. Expertise and Experience: The appointment of highly qualified Commissioners, such as Andrew Forbes, Daniel Baulch, and Graham Gill, brings extensive legal, law enforcement, and prevention expertise to ICAC. Their diverse backgrounds enhance the commission's capabilities and effectiveness.

3. Impartial Selection: The involvement of Transparency International in the selection process ensures impartiality and alleviates concerns about foreign nationals leading ICAC. The inclusion of various stakeholders in the ICAC Appointments Committee also promotes comprehensive oversight.

4. Complementary Legislation: ICAC is supported by the Whistle Blowers' Act (2020) and the Proceeds of Crime Act (2022), providing a robust legal framework for combating corruption. The combination of these laws strengthens ICAC's ability to investigate and prosecute corrupt individuals.

File photo

Cons of ICAC and Potential Challenges

1. Overlapping Mandates: While ICAC's establishment is a positive step, it may lead to confusion and duplication of efforts, particularly with existing anti-corruption agencies such as the Ombudsman Commission and the Police. Clear coordination and collaboration mechanisms should be established to ensure a streamlined approach.

2. Limited Resources: ICAC's effectiveness depends on adequate resources, both financial and human. Without sufficient funding and personnel, the commission may struggle to handle the high volume of corruption cases, especially in the political leadership domain, and fulfil its mandate effectively.

3. Political Interference: Despite ICAC's independence, political interference and influence remain a concern. It is crucial to safeguard the commission's autonomy and shield it from political pressures to ensure unbiased investigations and prosecutions.

4. Public Engagement and Awareness: While ICAC provides a platform for reporting corruption cases, the success of the commission depends on public participation. Creating awareness about ICAC's role, encouraging whistleblowing, and ensuring protection for those who report corruption will be essential in mobilizing public support.

Comparison with the Task Force Sweep Team

During Prime Minister Peter O'Neill's leadership, the Investigative Task Force Sweep (ITFS), headed by Sam Koim, played a crucial role in addressing corruption. Some points of comparison between the two initiatives include:

1. Independence: ICAC is established as a permanent and independent institution, ensuring continuity and long-term commitment to fighting corruption. In contrast, the Task Force Sweep Team was a temporary task force, which limited its sustainability and impact.

2. Legal Framework: ICAC operates under the ICAC Act (2020), providing a clear legal framework for its operations. The Task Force Sweep Team lacked dedicated legislation, which could have limited its authority, independence and accountability.

3. Powers and Resources: ICAC is endowed with extensive powers of investigation and prosecution, supported by appropriate resources. The Task Force Sweep Team faced challenges in obtaining necessary resources and experienced limitations in its powers, hindering its effectiveness.

4. Institutionalisation: ICAC's establishment signifies a systemic approach to combat corruption, focusing on preventive measures, investigations, and prosecutions. The Task Force Sweep Team, while successful in some cases, lacked the institutionalization required for sustained and comprehensive anti-corruption efforts.

File Photo

Summary (Independent Commission Against Corruption)

The establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in Papua New Guinea marks a significant step forward in the fight against corruption. While there are challenges and potential areas for improvement, the involvement of highly qualified Commissioners, the support of complementary legislation, and the commitment of the government underscore the importance of ICAC in addressing corruption. 

Comparing it to the Task Force Sweep Team highlights the advantages of a permanent and independent institution with a dedicated legal framework. 

To ensure the success of ICAC, continued public engagement, sufficient resources, and safeguarding its independence from political interference are vital. 

With a collective effort and unwavering commitment, ICAC can play a crucial role in eradicating corruption and fostering a more prosperous future for Papua New Guinea.

Corruption in PNG: Addressing Systematic Corruption in PNG

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a resource-rich country, with vast mineral and oil reserves, but it is also notorious for its high levels of corruption. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), corruption costs PNG's economy over 10% of its GDP, or about US$1.5 billion per year. 

Corruption in PNG undermines public trust in government, distorts markets, and erodes the rule of law, leading to political instability, economic underperformance and unhappy people.

Political will lacking - ICAC & NACD

The PNG government has taken some steps to address corruption in recent years, including the establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and the National Anti-Corruption Directorate (NACD). 

However, progress has been slow, and many argue that these institutions lack independence, resources, and political support to effectively investigate and prosecute corruption cases. 

As a result, PNG continues to rank low in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, currently ranking 130th out of 180 countries in 2023.

Systemic vs. Systematic Corruption in PNG

Corruption in PNG can be characterised as both systemic and systematic. 

• Systemic Corruption: Systemic corruption refers to the deep-rooted and widespread nature of corruption in PNG's society and institutions, where corruption is embedded in social norms, practices, and networks. For example, as highlighted in a recent Devpolicy article, everyday corruption is common in PNG, where people offer bribes to avoid fines or gain access to public services. In many cases, people do not see this as wrongdoing but rather as a way of life, reflecting the lack of trust and confidence in public institutions.

• Systematic Corruption: On the other hand, systematic corruption refers to the organised and deliberate nature of corruption in PNG, where corruption is used as a tool to gain and maintain power, influence decisions, and extract rents from public resources. This type of corruption involves collusion between politicians, bureaucrats, and business elites, who use their positions to engage in illegal activities such as embezzlement, kickbacks, and nepotism. As pointed out in a PNG Attitude article, this form of corruption has been evident in recent high-profile cases, such as the UBS loan scandal, where politicians and public officials were accused of receiving bribes in exchange for a government loan.

Balanced Argument on Corruption in PNG

The issue of corruption in PNG is complex and multifaceted, and requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the systemic and systematic aspects of corruption. 

While the establishment of ICAC and NACD is a positive step, these institutions need to be adequately resourced and empowered to carry out their mandates effectively. 

Importantly, political will and leadership are crucial in creating an environment where corruption is not tolerated and where institutions can operate independently and without fear of retribution.

At the same time, addressing systemic corruption in PNG requires a shift in mindset and cultural norms, where people are educated and encouraged to view corruption as a harmful and unacceptable practice. 

As highlighted in the Devpolicy article, tackling everyday corruption in PNG requires not only punitive measures but also a focus on promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in decision-making processes. This requires a long-term and sustained effort to build trust in institutions and to create a culture of integrity and ethical behaviour.

Addressing systematic corruption in PNG

Finally, addressing systematic corruption in PNG requires addressing the underlying political and economic structures that enable and perpetuate corruption. 

This involves promoting transparency and accountability in public procurement processes, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and reducing the concentration of power and resources in the hands of a few elites. 

As argued in the PNG Attitude article (linked above), addressing systematic corruption requires a fundamental shift in the way PNG's political and economic systems operate, and this will require strong and sustained political leadership and a commitment to reform.

Conclusion

Corruption in PNG is a significant challenge that requires a multifaceted and sustained effort to address. The establishment of institutions such as ICAC and NACD is a positive step, but more needs to be done to ensure they are adequately resourced and empowered to carry out their mandates effectively. 

To make progress in combating corruption, PNG must also address the underlying political and economic structures that enable corruption to persist. This involves:

• promoting transparency and accountability in public procurement processes, 
• strengthening regulatory frameworks, and
• reducing the concentration of power and resources in the hands of a few elites.

All in all, the fight against corruption in PNG requires strong and sustained political leadership and a commitment to reform. It will not be an easy or quick process, but it is essential for the future prosperity and stability of the country.

Members of Parliament Implicated on Corruption Charges - Stats: 3 Convicted, 7 Referred by OC, 8 Arrested and 1 Evaded Arrest

Leadership Tribunals will test evidence submitted by OC
[Google Images]

UPDATED 13.04.2015

MP's AT COURT
- Nearly 30% of all Ministers (& Vice Ministers) running PNG are at court
- Nearly 20% of all MP's in PNG's 9th parliament are at court

List of MPs (20/108 or 19%) in 9th parliament at court:

So far the following Members of Parliament have been refereed by OC:

1. Hon. Prime Minister Peter O'Neill - Ialibu Pangia (NEC) [PNC]
2. Hon. Ben Micah - Kavieng (NEC) [PPP]
3. Hon. Deliha Gore - Soho (NEC) [PNC]
4. Hon. Boka Kondra - North Fly (NEC) [PNC]
5. Hon. Ronny Knight - Manus [N.G]
6. Hon. Sir Puka Temu - Abau (NEC) [O.D]
7. Hon. James Lagea - Kagua Erave (Vice Minister)
8. Hon. Patrick Pruaitch - Aitape-Lumi (NEC) [NA]
9. Hon. Francis Awesa - Imbonngu (NEC) [PNC]
10. Hon. Belden Namah - Vanimo Green [PNG]

Several MPs have been implicated in corruption/bribery cases (apart from Peter O'Neill-listed above, where no arrest was made) include the following:

11. Paul Tiensten - Pomio, jailed, new elections being held
12. Hon. Francis Potape-Komo-Margarima, jailed, pend appeal [PNC]
13. Hon. Havila Kavo - Gulf, bailed, pend appeal [PUA]
14. Hon. John Simon - Maprick, bailed, case pending [NA]
15. Hon. Gordon Wesley - Samarai, (bribery), sacked, pend appeal [PNC]
16. Hon. Ati Wobiro - Western, bailed, case pending [PNC]
17. Hon. John Hickey - Bogia, bailed, case pending [NA]
18. Hon. Don Poyle-Kandep, parakagate pending (NEC at time) [THE]
19. Hon. Jame Marape-Tari, parakagate pending (NEC) [PNC]
20. Hon. Anton Yagama-Usino (contempt), bailed, pend appeal [URP]

Election petition cases pending court determination:

# Hon. Don Poyle - Kandep, election petition pending
# Hon. Nixon Duban-Madang, election petition pending
# Hon. Paias Wingti - WHP, election petition pending
# Hon. Amkat Mai, WSP, ousted, new elections
# Hon. Powes Parkop, election petition pending
# Hon. David Arore, Ijivitari, election petition pending

Note:111 total seats less Goilala Open, West Sepik Open & Pomio makes 108

This was the earlier post...

17% (19/111) of all MPs in 9th parliament implicated in corruption charges

So far the following Members of Parliament have been refereed by OC:

 1. Hon. Prime Minister Peter O'Neill - Ialibu Pangia

 2. Hon. Ben Micah - Kavieng

 3. Hon. Deliha Gore - Soho

 4. Hon. Boka Kondra - North Fly

 5. Hon. Ronny Knight - Manus 

 6. Hon. Sir Puka Temu - Abau 

 7. Hon. James Lagea - Kagua Erave

 8. Hon. Patrick Pruaitch - Aitape-Lumi

 9. Hon. Francis Awesa - Imbonngu

3 MPs have been convicted of corruption:

 10. Paul Tiensten - Pomio, convicted & jailed, new elections being held

 11. Hon. Francis Potape - Komo-Margarima, convicted and jailed, appeal pending

 12. Hon. Havila Kavo - Gulf, convicted, jailed and bailed, appeal pending

7 MPs have been implicated in corruption/bribery cases (apart from Peter O'Neill, where no arrest was made) include the following:

 13. Hon. John Simon - Maprick, bailed, case pending

 14. Hon. Gordon Wesley - Samarai, (bribery), sacked, appeal pending

 15. Hon. Ati Wobiro - Western, bailed, case pending

 16. Hon. John Hickey - Bogia, bailed, case pending

 17. Hon. Don Poyle - Kandep, paraka gate, case stalled

 18. Hon. Jame Marape, Tari, paraka gate, case stalled

 19. Hon. Anton Yagama - Usino, (contempt), bailed, pending appeal

5 Election petition cases pending:

 1. Hon. Don Poyle - Kandep, election petition pending 

 2. Hon. Nixon Duban-Madang, election petition pending 

 3. Hon. Paias Wingti - WHP, election petition pending

 4. Hon. Amkat Mai, WSP, Ousted, election petition appeal pending

 5. Hon. Powes Parkop, election petition pending

By Anna Gerato Suckling on PNG New Page

Fighting The White Collar Criminals and Fraudsters in Papua New Guinea, No Room For Complacency

Transparency International’s most recent survey of global corruption (2014) revealed that PNG was 145th of 175 nations in the World, with the 175th being the most corrupt. In the Asia Pacific region, PNG was placed 21^st with North Korea ranked 25^th - placing PNG just 4 places away from a nation described as most authoritarian (dictatorial) regime in the 21^st century.

This number captured informed views of analysts, business people and experts who have worked and lived in PNG. No one can dispute intelligence and experience of these experts unless significant improvements are evident within public service and law and justice sector.

What is important here is the reality that decision makers (politicians) and public service machinery (public servants) are putting PNG amongst the worst of corrupt nations on Earth. 

In order to improve the country’s ranking, first political leaders have to take the lead. That means that the Cabinet has to either set up anticorruption bodies, empower existing fraud investigation squad or both. Task Force Sweep – the anticorruption body set up by Peter O’Neill in August 2011 - was established in good faith. 

Any political initiatives for fighting corruption have to be formally sanctioned through the Constitution and given legal powers to both investigate and prosecute alleged white collar criminals. It must not be subjective to Cabinet ministers who are likely to withdraw support when they are investigated.

Independence of such graft fighting body is important. This will stop what happened to Task Force Sweep where the prime minister disbanded it when he was the subject of their investigation. Recent report revealed that this anticorruption body is stuffed off funds and on the verge of closing all its investigations. This is a direct blow as far as fighting corruption is concerned. 

The government has to remain true to the effort to reduce white collar crimes and fraudulent activities in the public sector by releasing K7 million funding for this year (2014). On the same token, the government of Peter O'Neill has to increase the funding for this effective but underfunded anticorruption watchdog. 

Second, public service departmental heads and secretaries will have to be appointed on merit instead of appointed by political affiliation. Questions have to be asked now to ascertain appointees to every government ministerial position. Wantoks and political allies must not sit at those positions if they do not have the experiences and credentials.

This is where corruption takes hold of government systems . To reduce fraudulent activities in public sector offices, a recruitment system has to be set up in future to recruit eligible candidates from within and overseas who can deliver on policy provisions and delivery of goods and services to cities, towns and villages in the country.

Meanwhile, a proper review of ‘who’ is doing ‘what’ is long overdue, starting with the prime minister’s office including every position within the 32 ministries in the government.

So has PNG seen an improvement in the fight against corruption? Regardless of public and international perception on corruption, there is some signs of improvement. Task Force Sweep had arrested over 50 people and recouped K60 million. 15 MPs are currently under investigation for white collar crimes and corruption: 3 are found guilty;

- PM for Pomio Paul Tiensten is convicted of ‘making a footnote on a project proposal that compelled the officers of National Planning to bypass the lawful processes and procedures in making payment’ of K10 million to Travel Air  and is serving 9 years in Bomana Prison

- Gulf Governor Havila Kavo is given 3 years prison sentence for has been found guilty of misusing K130 000 from a trust account belonging to the people of Kikori district for infrastructure.

- MP for Komo-Magarima Francis Potape found guilty by the National Court of misusing K330,000 of public funds.

Many Papua New Guineans thought maximum sentence of 10 years for misappropriation of public funds did not match the amount of money these white collar criminals and fraudsters siphoned. But the fact is that justice was served. That is what matters the most.

Task Force Sweep has to keep the momentum. The government has to release funds for it to operate. Not doing so means that Peter O'Neill and Leo Dion's government are starving a vital investigative body to death, thus nursing corruption. 

#PNG governor jailed, MPs facing corruption charges. Via @Post_Courier pic.twitter.com/3PNKtNQlGK

— Stefan Armbruster (@StefArmbruster) December 10, 2014

O'Neill Referred | 3 Allegations Of Misconduct By Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea

Peter O'Neill [Google Pics]

Referral of the Prime Minister to a Leadership Tribunal was confirmed. The news was a ‘Breaking News’ on Sharp Talk. It was interesting to note that people close to the prime minister didn’t know.

Yet, this particular referral process has taken three months. Ombudsman Commission (OC) referred Peter O’Neill on Tuesday 12^th of August, 2014. 

According to the Public Prosecutor the initial referral did not contain sufficient evidence, credible to request the Chief Justice to appoint a Leadership Tribunal. OC has now provided cogent evidence, convincing to see this judicial process through.

Peter O’Neill referral is based  on 3 allegations reported in the Post Courier on 13^th August 2014:

The Prime Minister failed to comply with administrative and financial processes including the normal overseas borrowing process in the approval of the K3 billion loan from the Union Bank of Switzerland AF (Australia Branch);

The leader having made a media release on the sacking of Mr Don Polye as the Minister for Treasury by saying that Mr Don Polye caused instability in the Government, when the actual reason was to do with Mr Polye’s refusal to sign the UBS Loan deal which the Prime Minister had unilaterally approved on March 6, 2014; and

The leader made a misleading statement on EMTV that he had obtained advice from the state agencies including Bank of Papua New Guinea on the UBS loan to purchase Oil Search shares, which was contrary to the evidence received.

Until Friday 14^th 2014, no one has thought the Public Prosecutor would have made this bold move. To request Chief Justice to call for a Leadership Tribunal is a step in the right direction. The tribunal will deliberate on the process and transparency surrounding the K3 billion loan from Union Bank of Switzerland, the UBS.

Has the Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, complied with due process? Has he sacked Don Polye for the right reason? Has he obtained advise from appropriate institutions before signing off the loan? Those questions will be tested against the OCs evidence. 

Facing the evidence is what Peter O'Neill has dreaded. That's his great phobia. He must subject himself to this referral.  He can only proclaim his innocence by proving to the contrary any evidence provided to a Leadership Tribunal by the OC. 

Vaki, Pala, Paraka and O'Neill: Why Have Their Lawyers Not Tested The Evidence In Sam Koim's Affidavit?

This is what should have happened - PM, Vaki and Ano should test the validity of evidence contained in Sam Koim and the Police Lawyer's affidavits that led to the WoA on Peter O'Neill. They NEVER did!

Instead, they fought (and are fighting) the justice system. It would be good to see those evidence tested at the National Court. Vaki's lawyer must argue the evidence contained in Sam Koim's affidavit is wrong.

For the sake of those who have forgotten here is what the lawyer would have to argue for and against:

1. O'Neill knew the letter containing his official signature existed since 24th of January 2012.

2. O'Neill signed the letter when he was F & T Minister under Somare.

3. O'Neill denied signing the letter when he is Prime Minister.

4. O'Neill LIED whilst in the PM's seat5. O'Neill confirmed he lied.

6. O'Neill gave directive to release K80 million to Paraka forthwith.

7. O'Neill and Paraka consciously collaborated in illegal and fraudulent payments.

8.  Payments were made without consent from Department of Justice.

9. O'Neill did his mate a favour - he had a bank overdraft of over K8 million at the time of the letter

10. Forensic investigators CONFIRMED the signature on the letter was Peter O'Neill's. 

Prove to courts that those were baseless allegation and the work of TFS is a sham. PM, Vaki & Pala and those laywers representing them have to prove to the contrary the evidence contained therein Sam Koim's Affidavit! Why isn't that happening?!

~~~~~~~

Take a look at what Sam Koim has to say after disbanding of Investigative Task Force Sweep

*Here is the latest on Supreme Court's ruling on the Warrant of Arrest on Peter O'Neill as discussed in Facebook group Sharp Talk.

Peter O'Neill Former Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Arrest

Peter O’Neill staged the fight on 16th June 2014. He chose Waigani to be his battlefield. 

A tactician he is, he fought on two fronts: sent his lawyer to Court and dismantled the investigating team. He was brilliant – he knew the target, but his arsenal of weapons could not destroy it. 

He lost all his fights (and gracefully surrendered) at Waigani Court House.

 

Now, it’s time to move the battlefield to Konedobu. O’Neill’s greatest phobia is looking investigators in the eye and answering their questions.

A proper police interrogation is not what every person who has something to hide wants to face. They fear police investigators that some can wet their pants.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Call By Leaders for Peter O’Neill to Own Up

 

CHRISTAIN LEADERS

We heard leaders from main-line churches appealing for O’Neill to submit to police request. Thank God and pioneer missionaries, PNG are blessed with established churches (Anglican, Lutheran, Catholic, SDA) with strong leaders who have wisdom to correct and suggest to political leaders what to do. Listen to words of men of God. Make no mistake, these leaders speak with wisdom. They represent mass of PNG’s population.

 

POLICE

Court has made it clear that policemen who are at the forefront of this political turmoil (caused by PM) are not rogue officers. Their reputations, experiences and dedication to the force are exemplary.  Their commitment to stand firm at this time is a testament to their courage and determination. These men are trained (at police institution/s) to be strong, commissioned (on oath) to serve and moulded (by experience) to be fearless.  They are discipline officers, for goodness sake, trust them to do the right thing.

Arrest Peter O’Neil

Police hierarchy had been thrown in disarray with by one man, Peter O’Neill.  Is it too late for Vaki to fix this vital institution? He was defeated at District Court but not late for Vaki to make the right call. Both National and District Courts have given Geoffrey Vaki’s no option but to arrest O’Neill. He MUST effect the WoA in haste to save face.

 

Vaki is rendered to nothing but USELESS in Peter O’Neill’s eyes if not for the policemen protecting the PM.  Section of police who took Vaki’s commands can be seen to be the last baton of hope for him to remain police commissioner. We also see Police Association giving strong signal to politicians (like PM and Housing Minister) who called police ‘rogue cops’ to shut up. There are strong views within the Constabulary for Vaki to perform his constitutional duties without siding with Peter O’Neill. This was evident from reports in mainstream media and social network.

 

Mr Geoffrey Vaki can restore pride and comradeship in police force by taking a step out of PO’s shadow and listen to what courts, church leaders, senior citizens, students and public are saying about PO’s actions.

 

There needs to be neutral and impartial stand taken by Vaki now.  This will not only save his reputation, but also protect the office of the Police Commissioner.

 

WARNING: 3 things the Police Commissioner should take note:

 

1. Task Force Sweep was reinstated. The investigation, its finding (Sam Koim and Miviri’s affidavits) and Warrant of Arrest of Peter O’Neill are valid and current. He does not have an option. He must commission the right officers to arrest and question Peter O’Neill.

 

2. Police have what’s called the ‘Institution Muscle’. When commenting on political plots and strategies to protect one man the Police Association general secretary used the word ‘muscle’ – such word must not be taken lightly by the Police Commissioner, especially when it comes from the Police Association, made by senior police representative.  Here, he is implying that the police commissioner has to do what is best to protect the integrity of the Police Force. Anything seems contrary can result in the police union taking a tough stand against it.

 

3. Politicians do flip sides on impulse. PO said he will ‘fight to the last breath’. He was on the back foot again the other day withdrawing all court proceedings.  He didn’t fight, did he? Coward will always be coward. Vaki, has to put his thinking hat on. He is a learnt person. He will not want to be PO’s toilet tissue (to wipe his stinky poo and flush it down the toilet).

 

Peter O’Neill had his chance to fight the WoA

He has made his case.  He waved his rights about. He chose Waigani to be his battle field and lost (and surrendered). All along he created factions within the police, he disbanded TSF, he dismissed Sam Koim, he (through Vaki) suspended Lawyer Miviri and senior officers Eluh and Kauba.

 

Vaki’s Right Call: Now it is time to move the battle field to Konedobu.  Vaki must lift the suspension on Miviri, Kauba and Eluh. Let these men, including Koim and TFS, carry on from where they left: Arrest Peter O’Neill and bring him in for questioning. LET THE LAW TAKE ITS COURSE

  What Senior Citizens Say About Peter Oneill

1. HEAD OF THE ANGLICAN CHURCH

"If the Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill had submitted to the rule of law, his innocence would have been proven three weeks ago. But instead he had engaged his lawyers – to stay the warrant of arrest,’’[Archbishop Clyde Igara]

 

2. POLICE ASSOCIATION GENERAL SECRETARY

 "It is politicians that have created this unnecessary misdemeanour. They are cherry pickers who are here today and gone tomorrow. The police force is here to stay and police officers will give a lifetime upholding the rule of law and the constitution." [Clemence Kanau]

 

3. POLICE ASSOCIATION GENERAL SECRETARY

"He should shut his mouth and swallow his temporary pride," Mr Kanau said of Mr Isikiel when he referred to officers investigating O’Neill as ‘rogue cops’.

 

4. SACKED ATTORNEY GENERAL

Police Commissioner Geoffrey Vaki now has no legal discretion but to arrest Prime Minister Peter O’Neill. [Kerenga Kua]

 

5. NATIONAL COURT JUDGE

"I find this submission to be speculative and without proper evidentiary basis,” Judge Ere Kariko said when refusing submissions by the prime minister’s lawyer regarding a "rift" in the ranks of the police force.

 

6. CHIEF MAGISTRATE  - DISTRICT COURT

"Courts can only interfere when there is a clear case of abuse," [Nerrie Eliakim explanation on Vaki’s application to discontinue warrant of arrest on Peter O’Neill]

7.  CHAIRMAN – TASK FORCE SWEEP

 "When our leaders raised wild allegations and branded us as politically compromised, I did not respond because that would be seen as self preservation. I waited for the competent authority to vindicate us which the court had done." [Sam Koim ]