NOVEMBER 2ND 2021
Former Pangu Pangu Pati President Patrick Pundao has withdrawn his court action against the party over the election of Erigere Singin as his successor at the recent National Convention in Port Moresby.
This was announced by Pangu leader and Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape, at an online press conference today.
With them was senior Pangu MP and Transport Minister, Hon. William Samb, who helped to bring together both sides to the round table.
PM Marape said Pangu followers nationwide should know that Pundao had done good by withdrawing his case, which he said was not personal, but to do with party procedures and processes.
“He (Pundao) felt that the party processes were not upheld, and there were some constitutional flaws, in as far as how we held our convention,” the Prime Minister said.
“He was aggrieved and he went to court.
“The court directed for an amicable solution, and that all parties meet and try to resolve.
“Mr Pundao and his lawyers, and Madam President and her lawyers, were able to meet and we amicably resolved that the matter can be addressed in the Party Council and the next National Convention, before the elections in 2022.”
PM Marape said the Pangu National Executive, as well as the 39 MPs, was happy to announce this good news after a lot of concern by supporters nationwide.
Pundao told Pangu supporters around the country that he filed the case because of some irregularities that he established after the National Convention.
“It was not for my own benefit, but for the benefit of the party,” he said.
“The constitution is the only instrument that guides and takes the party forward.
“Based on the party’s agreement, I have decided to withdraw the case.”
Pundao said Pangu had made history by electing its first woman president, Singin, and he had nothing personal against her.
“I am happy that she is President of the party and I will still be around in the party, with PM Marape and her,” he said.
“Together, we will ensure that that the party will move forward, come 2022.”
Singin said what happened over the last couple of weeks had tested the resolve of Pangu members and the country as a whole.
“It was a real testing time for all of us, and it was a huge test for me as well, because the National General Election is just around the corner and my election was just yesterday,” she said.
“Time is not on our side.
“I just want to encourage our party supporters, friends of Pangu, and provincial and district executives to stand together, stand firm.”
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