27 Jan 2009

PNG's ousted Western Highlands governor to seek a Supreme Court review

12:25 pm on 27 January 2009

Papua New Guinea's ousted Western Highlands governor will seek a Supreme Court review of the National Court's decision declaring his election in 2007 as null and void.

Justice David Cannings on Wednesday disqualified Tom Olga as governor and ordered that a by-election be held for the provincial seat.

Addressing the media yesterday, Mr Olga said he was "surprised" but accepted the decision, and told the National newspaper the decision was not the "dead end" of the case and he would fight to seek "justice" for himself and the people of Western Highlands.

Mr Olga said he had met with his legal team to study the decision and would ask the Supreme Court for leave to file a judicial review to challenge Justice Cannings' decision.

In the meantime Mr Olga insisted he was still the governor and called on his supporters and the people to remain calm and respect the decision of the National Court.