Australian Immigration Minister Burke Visit to Nauru

Australia’s Minister for Immigration, Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, Tony Burke and a small delegation visited Nauru (26 July) to meet with the Nauru Government and visit the Regional Processing Centre.

Photographic image taken by Mr. Clint Deidenang

Mr Burke and his delegation were briefed by the Australian High Commission and members of DIAC before making his first courtesy visit to the President of the Republic of Nauru His Excellency Hon. Baron Waqa followed by Justice Minister David Adeang.

The small delegation then visited the two sites of the RPC before departing the country later on in the afternoon. 

NO CHANGES TO RPC PLANS

Nauru’s Acting President and Minister for Justice Hon David Adeang says the Friday riot which destroyed most of the facilities at the Regional Processing Centre (RPC) does not change Nauru’s commitment to hosting the Centre. “Australia hasn’t asked for changes and we haven’t put any forward, so yes it’s business as usual,” the acting president said.

“There will of course be extra measures taken now to  enhance security  protocols  and  features associated with managing the RPC and  these  are  being  addressed, together  with  a  consideration of  greater  effort  to  enhance the  determination  process  and communicating  with  the  asylum seekers about  this process and  the state of their determination.”

Nauru will also be shortly assuming greater control and responsibility of the Centres through Administrative Arrangements supporting the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) governing the processing of asylum seekers.

The  administrative  arrangements will assist  the Government of Nauru  in particular  to  stay  on  top  of  operational issues  over  the  RPC  including  the welfare of asylum seekers. The  riot  that  erupted  in  fames  and violence  at  the  RPC  at  the  weekend (19 July) destroying buildings and food supplies  for  the  camp  is  estimated  at $60-million.

Mr  Adeang  toured  the  site  this  week (22  July)  with  cabinet  ministers  and members  of  parliament  and  saw  the destruction frst hand. The  wreckage  is  being  bulldozed  and cleared  to  make  way  for  rebuilding which  is  estimated  to  be  ready  in  six months.

All  eight  accommodation  blocks  each housing between 44 to 88 people, office blocks,  and  medical  facilities  were burnt  to  the  ground,  including  half the  new  kitchen  which  had  just  been commissioned three days before the riot. Up to 400 asylum seekers are still at the Centre and now living in tents until more suitable accommodation can be erected.

They are receiving food and medical treatment. Court proceedings for 152 asylum seekers in police custody are underway. On  24  July  the District Court of  Nauru  denied  bail  for  the men,  however  bail hearings commenced  a  day  later  (25 July). 

The  initial  charges  are unlawful  assembly  and  riot, with  additional  charges expected  including  arson  on public buildings. The  latter  charge  would require  a  hearing  in  the Supreme  Court  with  a committal  process  in  the District Court initially.

The asylum seekers appeared before Resident Magistrate Peter Law in groups of ten to 12. The asylum seekers are being represented by court appointed lawyers. Each group was aided by an interpreter.

Information copy pasted from Nauru Bulletin 26 July 2013 - no.88 

ASYLUM SEEKERS COURT CASE

DISTRICT COURT of NAURU
26^th July 2013

-Media Release-

(Information copy pasted from GIO)

On 25^th July, the District Court heard applications from twenty asylum seekers defendants seeking bail in respect to charges of ‘Riot’ and ‘unlawful assembly’ arising from an incident on 19^th July 2013.  One of the defendants was discharged when the prosecution sought leave to withdraw the charges against him.  On 26^th July, the District Court heard applications from a further 40 defendants.  The cases were presented by three court appointed lawyers for the defendants and translators provided interpretation for the defendants.

The Court considered issues raised by the legal representatives including the presumption in favour of bail, the seriousness of the charges, the prospect of re-offending, the oppressive nature of the current detention in which 150 asylum seekers are detained along with 16 prisoners in the Nauru Correctional Centre.  Further issues put to the court included the fact that there is no accommodation available at the Regional Processing Centre and the prospect of re-housing the defendants in tents will not be available until the end of next week, beginning of following week commencing 5^th August 2013. 

The Court refused bail in respect to three asylum seeker defendants.  The remaining asylum seeker defendants were granted bail to commence from 5^th August through to 8^thAugust on strict conditions, requiring each of them to enter agreements to not to commit offences and to obey any directions of staff at the Regional Processing Centre and to attend court on 2^nd September 2013. 

Peter Law
Resident Magistrate
Media contacts:   peter.law@naurugov.nr
+674 557 3099 

NAURU REMEMBERS FORMER CHIEF JUSTICE BARRY CONNELL

Former Chief Justice of Nauru Henry Barwick (Barry) Connell passed away recently (21 May) at the age of 85 in Melbourne Australia, after a long illness. 

His Excellency President Baron Waqa said the government and the country are saddened to hear of his passing. “It is with much sadness that we lament the passing of the late Barry Connell who was a highly valued and good friend of the whole country.

“As a former Chief Justice he distinguished himself as one of the fnest we have known, acting with consideration and integrity. He identified himself with us consistently through both good times and bad.

“On behalf of all Nauruans we extend our deepest sympathy to his family at this time of loss,” Nauru President Baron Waqa said. Mr Connell had a distinguished career working for the Government of Nauru which began in 1971.

He was appointed Chief Secretary and Secretary for External Affairs in late 1971 as well as Secretary to Cabinet. Mr Connell was further appointed as Counsel assisting the Commission of Inquiry established by former president, the late Hammer De Roburt, to look into the rehabilitation of the mined out phosphate lands of Nauru. 

He further represented Nauru in The Hague at the International Court of Justice in 1991 in the case concerning Nauru’s phosphate land. The  legal  team which  represented Nauru  in  its  case  seeking  compensation  for  the  rehabilitation was  led  by  Professor  Sir  Ian Brownlie Q.C. The case was settled in favour of Nauru with signifcant compensation being paid.

Those who were fortunate to have met and worked with Mr Connell describe him as a gentleman whose dedication to Nauru was immense. Mr Connell was working from Melbourne Australia as Vice Chairman of the Board of the Nauru Air Corporation, director of the Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation and a trustee of the Nauru Phosphate Royalties Trust.

Mr Connell was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nauru in February 2001 and retired in 2006. Mr Connell is survived by his wife, Marlene, daughter Jacqueline, grandchildren Samantha, Thomas, Warwick and Georgina and stepchildren.

The Nauru Bulletin thanks Helen Bogdan for supplying the photo and much of the background about Mr Connell

Copy pasted from Nauru Bulletin – Page 6

Bail Denied for Asylum Seekers Involved in the Nauru RPC Riot

Earlier on today Wednesday 24, July 2013, the District Court of Nauru has proceed on with the laying of charges on the 152 asylum seekers who have been arrested over the weekend for the rioting at the Regional Processing Centre on Friday 19, July 2013.

Photographic image copied from Nauru Politics

The charges being laid against the 152 asylum seekers so far are riot and unlawful assembly. Additional charges including arson on public buildings. The numbers of asylum seekers appearing before the Resident Magistrate of the District Court His Worship Peter Law are grouped up from 10 to 12 people. 

Photographic image taken by Mr. Clint Deidenang

The asylum seekers are being represented by court appointed lawyers. Each group was aided by an interpreter. Magistrate Peter Law first explained to the defendants that the appearances will be done in an open court whereby members of the public and the media are permitted to attend. 

Photographic image taken by Mr. Robert Delaney 

Mr Law then read the two charges of unlawful assembly and riot, explaining that all those appearing in court “assembled together in such a manner as to cause people fear, and so assembled to disturb the peace.” His Worship further said that the charges of unlawful assembly and riot are in contravention of sections 61 and 63 respectively of the Criminal Code of Nauru. 

Photographic image taken by Mr. Clint Deidenang

At the conclusion of the proceedings Magistrate Law issued an order that police briefs are to be served by 21, August 2013. Magistrate Law continued a non-publication order that the identities of all defendants be suppressed by both name and electronic images or any other means that could lead to their identification outside the precincts of the court. 

The riot on Friday 19, July began with a protest that escalated to fires and violence that ended in the burning and destruction of 80 per cent of the Centre’s infrastructure. Damages to the Centre are estimated at $60-million.                    

ASYLUM SEEKERS RIOT IN NAURU

During the riot outbreak at the Regional Processing Centre, the Asylum Seekers burned down 80% of the entire camp leaving the kitchen and the Asylum Seekers recreation area.

It is said that one of the Asylum Seekers who didn’t want to get involved in the riot had informed one of the local employee at the camp that a riot is going to take place at 2:30pm in the afternoon and that he must expect the worst case scenario to happen if the whole thing unfold.

Besides that, the Government of the Republic of Nauru had been forewarned of what is about to happen and they called the Commissioner of Police to discuss plans to preventing the whole activity, and the Commissioner told them that he already have a contingency plan in place.

According to anonymous source, the failure of policing at the time of the riot has to revert back to the Commissioner of Police and Transfield Management for not taking the initiative to preventing the entire situation, but being very inactivity in their strategic approach.

It is said that the Asylum Seekers protest begins a day before the riot reach its maximum peak, but Transfield Management and the Commissioner of Police decides to act cool, like nothing is going on. Hence, their act of ignorance has shown evidence of what it is to being non-productive.

Based on the anonymous information, a day before the riot, local employees at the camp have been given precaution to not go any place near the Asylum Seekers settlements. On that same day or the following day before the riot, an asylum seeker poured hot water on a local lady who is working at the kitchen.

Hence, by the time the riot took place, a local police officer Mr. Rory Detageouwa was stabbed with a knife on the arm by an asylum seeker during the riot that led to only worsen the entire situation and the end result is, some asylum seekers have been violently treated by the locals, despite the heavy security measures put into place to protect them.

Before the asylum seekers decides to surrender, there were seven explosions erupted from inside the camp and besides that, it is said that the asylum seekers are throwing rocks and flaming stones at the police response team, which only makes the situation more difficult than it is already.

One asylum seeker had been carried out by the Wilson Security to the ambulance and on the way, got beaten up by the locals despite the securities joint effort to ensuring his safety.

Hence, RPC buses are stoned by the locals while at the same time the asylum seekers dug inside the buses to avoid injuries. Some are crying and screaming for their lives, while the joint security task force between Wilson, Sterling and the Nauru Police Force are trying to control the crowd.

Unfortunately, those who had managed to get on the buses may have escape the trouble at the camp, for just few minutes to experience another attack outside the police station, while the others at the main central prison.

The entire nation has been left under alert for any asylum seekers that are believed to have escaped the camp and luckily, none had been spotted anywhere, otherwise they will have to suffer the worst.

Giving into account the effort of the Wilson, Sterling and the Nauru Police Force, the Asylum Seekers are lucky enough to have been protected by those they have harmed earlier, because  the time they surrendered, Sterling Wilson and the Nauru Police Force are the ones forming the line to control the angry crowd waiting outside the camp.

Thus, it is very unfortunate that the following day after the riot, Nauruan workers at the Regional Processing Centre employed under the Salvation Army are laid off from work for 1 week. Thus, these people include those who had left the Public Services and other Public Sectors to find employment at the camp.

Hence the Government’s decision to removing the Commissioner of Police Mr. Richard Britten is a good initiative, as Mr. Britten’s non-active policies have affected the overall image of the Nauru Police Force.

Today Cabinet and Caucus are going up to the camp for a site visit as per one of the Caucus members, and hopeful they will release some update on their view in this matter later on today.

The other issue that RPC personnel should worry about now is the welfare of the asylum seekers, as they are at risk now to be released into the communities anytime right after the riot. It is wise for both the Australia and Nauru Government to consider replacing the current, as they are now considered threat to the communities and maybe harmed if seen outside the camp.

More update will be posted.

Judge Von Doussa dismisses habeas corpus case

INFORMATION IS COPY PASTED FROM THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION OFFICE MEDIA RELEASE.

The habeas corpus case submitted by asylum seekers on Nauru has been denied in a ruling handed down yesterday (18 June) by Judge John von Doussa QC.

The applicants alleged that they are being unlawfully detained at the regional processing centre (RPC) on Nauru, and therefore sought an order for their release from the RPC. The hearing commenced last week (10-12 June).

In handing down his ruling yesterday (18 June) Judge von Doussa dismissed the application on the grounds that the asylum seekers are being held on Nauru for the purpose of processing their claims for refugee status.

“…the provisions of the Immigration Act and the regulations which permit the detention of RPC visas are valid as the detention is for the very purpose of ultimately “effecting …lawful removal from Nauru” of the holder”,” Judge von Doussa said, citing the Constitution of Nauru Article 5 (1) (h).

The asylum seekers are granted regional processing visas (RPV) to be on Nauru while their claims are being assessed. Conditions of the visa specify that they reside at the Centre. They are also allowed supervised trips and activities outside the Centre.

“In the present case the visas granted to the applicants, and in particular their current RPVs, are stated to be for the purpose of determining their claims for refugee status, and for purposes that will have to be addressed leading up to their removal from Nauru when their applications for refugee status have been finally determined,” von Doussa said.

“It is well recognized that the process of investigating and determining claims for refugee status may take a protracted time. Nevertheless, at the end removal will occur either to another country for resettlement, or to their country of nationality.

“So understood, the provisions of the Immigration Act and the regulations which permit the detention of RPV’s are valid as the detention is for the very purpose of ultimately “effecting …lawful removal from Nauru” of the holder,” Judge von Doussa said.

The application for habeas corpus also argues “that there is long and unreasonable delay in processing their claims and in arranging their removal.”

Judge von Doussa concluded that “this is an interesting argument that I think should be left for decision should excessive delay occur. I do not think such a point has yet been reached. However, if the excessive delay occurs after the favourable determination of refugee status another question will arise. The visa conditions can then allow much greater freedom of movement. Depending on how far the present restrictions are eased, they may not impose detention.”

Legal counsel for the asylum seekers Julian Burnside QC was assisted by Jay Williams and representing the Secretary for Justice was Stephen Donaghue.

PRESIDENT WAQA NAMED HIS CABINET MINISTERS

Today His Excellency President Baron Waqa has formally announced his cabinet line-up at the second sitting of the 21st parliament.

President Waqa holds the portfolio of Chairman of Cabinet, Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Minister for Climate Change and Minister for Police & Emergency Services.

The Hon David Adeang is Minister Assisting the President, Minister for Finance & Sustainable Development, Minister for Justice, Minister for Eigigu Holdings Corporation and Minister for Nauru Air Corporation.

The Hon Valdon Dowiyogo is the Minister for Health, Minister for Transport, and Minister for Sport and Fisheries. Newly elected MP the Hon. Aaron Cook is the Minister for Commerce, Industry and Environment, Minister for Ronphos and Minister for Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation.

Alongside Mr. Cook another newly elected MP Mrs. Charmaine Scotty the only second woman to enter Nauru Parliament is the Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for Education and Youth, and Minister for Land Management.

The Hon Shadlog Bernicke is the Minister for Nauru Phosphate Royalties Trust, Minister for Telecommunications, and Minister for Nauru Utilities Corporation.

NAURU PARLIAMENT APPOINTS A NEW PRESIDENT

Today parliament met and elected a President. At the beginning of the session, the Clerk of Parliament as the Chair of the house began by opening the floor for the nomination of the Speaker of the 21^st Parliament.

Thus, only two nominations were made by the members including 1) Hon. Ludwig Scotty nominated by the Hon. David Adeang and 2) Hon. Keiren Keke, nominated by the Hon. Roland Kun followed by a secret ballot.

The results came out and they were: 1) Hon. Ludwig Scotty 14 and 2) Hon. Keiren Keke 5. So Mr. Scotty was escorted to the Chair by the nominator, the Hon. David Adeang and the seconder.

After the Speaker of Parliament the Hon. Ludwig Scotty assumed his seat, he briefly welcomed the new members who have made it through the general election, and made a formal acknowledgement of the second women to ever entered Nauru Parliament Madam Hon. Charmaine Scotty.

After the Speaker’s short brief, he then opened the floor for the nomination of the Deputy Speaker. New MP the Hon. Ranin Akua was elected unopposed to be the Deputy Speaker.

Thus Parliament proceeds after the election of the Deputy Speaker to elect a President. The Speaker then opened the floor for nominations, only two nominations made by the members including, 1) Hon. Baron Waqa nominated by the Hon. Shadlog Benicke and 2) Hon. Roland Kun nominated by the Hon. Keiren Keke.

The results came out and they were: 1) Hon. Baron Waqa 14 and 2) Hon. Roland Kun 5. The Speaker of Parliament the Hon. Ludwig Scotty then declared the Hon. Baron Waqa the President of the Republic of Nauru.

Few minutes after the election of the President, His Excellency Baron Waqa put a motion to adjourned parliament till Thursday 13, June 2013.

PS. His Excellency hasn’t announced the names of his cabinet Ministers. 

WRAP UP NEWS ON NAURU 2013 GENERAL ELECTION

After a long wait since the closing of Nauru’s General Election polling booths yesterday evening at 6pm, this evening at 8pm, all the results are finally released. Thus, this is one of the remarkable general elections ever to take place in Nauru, since the last two elections in 2010, where Parliament resulted in a political deadlock under the leadership of former President Marcus Stephen.

Congratulations to all winning candidates, and may God bless Nauru. The outcome of yesterday’s general election has shown dramatic sign for the nation to moving forward especially after the recent parliamentary impasse, leading up to the State of Emergency and the general election. 

There are six new elected members including Mr. Aaron Stein Cook, Mr. Lyn-Wannan Tawaki Kam, Mr. Squire Jeremiah, Mr. Russ Joseph Kun, Mr. Ranin Akua and Mrs. Charmaine Scotty the second women to ever enter Nauru Parliament after more than 10 years.

Among those elected in yesterday’s general election, is Mr. Cyril Buraman a former parliamentarian representing the Constituency of Ewa / Anetan from 2006 to 2008, ousting Mr. Landon Deireragea in the general election for the 21st Parliament. Congratulations to all winning candidates, and may God bless Nauru. 

HISTORICAL EVENT IN NAURU POLITICS A WOMEN GOT ELECTED THIS JUNE GENERAL ELECTION 2013

After so many years since the last women got elected into Nauru Parliament, today another historical day in Nauru, Mrs. Charmaine Scotty has made her way into the 21st Parliament of Nauru by winning a landslide victory over Dr. Keiren Keke who came second and Mr. Dominic Tabuna whom she ousted at this June 2013 General Election. 

Mrs. Scotty’s victory over the two favourite candidates in Yaren Mr. Keke and Mr. Tabuna gives new hope for all the women in Nauru to start stepping up. Mrs. Scotty prior to running for a seat in parliament was a Permanent Secretary under the Public Service.

She has been managing several departments as permanent and acting HOD, almost across the public services including Sports, Transport, Telecommunications, Media, Commerce, Industry and Environment, Women’s Affairs, Foreign Affairs etc.
 

Her appointment to parliament marks a new chapter for all women in Nauru to start stepping up and represent all women in high offices and especially parliament. Mrs. Charmaine Scotty is no stranger to the challenges the country is facing, as she's been part of the process since the reform. Congratulations to Mrs. Charmaine Scotty. 

ELECTION DAY IN NAURU

A very big day in Nauru, people are going around early to have morning tea and chatting discussing about making the right decision at today’s poll.

Candidates will be feeling lots of pressure until the boot closes at 6:00pm. Wish good luck to all the candidates and God bless Nauru. 

NAURU WEATHER FORECAST FOR NEXT WEEK

Wednesday 5, June 2013 till Friday 7, June 2013... Rare weather forecasting report… this could be the end of the World, according to some politicians…

The Government under the State of Emergency by His Excellency President Sprent Dabwido will be releasing funds from Treasury at up to around $4.5 million to cover for their June 2013 "General Election" campaign. 

GOVERNMENT PAYMENT COMMITMENTS

Earlier on today the Presidential Advisor Mr. Peter Jacob following a cabinet meeting announced on behalf of the President His Excellency Sprent Dabwido and cabinet, the official appointment of the Hon. Baron Waqa member for Boe as the Minister for Nauru Fisheries.

Furthermore, Mr. Jacob also announced the Government commitment to partially paying out some outstanding salaries, royalties and land leases next week Wednesday 5, June 2013 till Friday 7, June 2013.  

Payment includes: -

Government land leases including the Regional Processing Centre

Government pending salaries amounting to $2 million

Eigigu Holdings Corporation pending salaries amounting to $300,000

RONPhos pending salaries amounting to $2.2 million

Following the outstanding royalties

My Jacob also announced that cabinet is also considering paying out the 2007 RONWAN no later than 30, June 2013.

Government salaries for the next pay week will be paid out a couple days earlier from Monday 3, June 2013.

APPOINTMENT OF THE HON. BARON WAQA, MP AS MINISTER FOR NAURU FISHERIES

His Excellency President Sprent Dabwido today has appointed the Hon. Baron Waqa member for Boe to be the Minister for Nauru Fisheries. Mr. Waqa is a prominent member of the former Scotty Government as the Minister for Education.

Mr. Waqa’s appointment in President Dabwido’s Government will ensure stability in the government and cabinet to maintain a quorum after the departure of the Minister for Finance the Hon. Roland Kun. Thus, the time is ticking and all candidates are all already out campaigning.

ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE BUSINESS OF GOVERNMENT

Today Thursday the 30^th of May 2013, His Excellency President Sprent Dabwido after the resignation of the Minister for Finance the Hon. Roland Kun has issued a public notice regarding the assignments of his Government ministerial portfolios. 

The President has appointed himself also as President to be the Minister for Finance & Sustainable Development and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade. 

Furthermore, the President has appointed the Minister for Health the Hon. Shadlog Bernicke to be the Minister for Justice & Border Control, Minister for Sports and Minister for Fisheries. 

Last and not least, the President appointed the Minister for Education the Hon. Aloysius Amwano also the Minister for Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation. 

All these ministerial assignments by the President are assigned in addition to each of the Ministers permanent portfolios, as they are previously held by Mr. Kun prior to his resignation. So stay tune, for more update. 

Resignation of the Minister for Finance

Yesterday Tuesday 28, May 2013, the Minister for Finance the Hon. Roland Kun has resigned the second time from his Ministerial post. The nature for his resignation is not stated, but was only announced by NTV News.

Thus, his second time departure from President Dabwido’s government comes as no surprise since, earlier he agreed to resign, only to re-accept the President's offer the second time. However, his departure cause no impact on the nation's current political position, since the country is already under a state of emergency (SOE), and will be going back to the poll next week Saturday 8, June 2013.  

Furthermore, the electoral role has closed at 12:00pm this afternoon and the opening of nominations. Names of nominees will be posted, once they are announced. 

PRESIDENTIAL DECLARATION

THE CONSTITUTION OF NAURU

PRESIDENTIAL DECLARATION

DECLARATION OF STATEOF EMERGENCY UNDER ARTICLE 77

WHEREAS

A. The late dissolution of the 20th Parliament and subsequent established dates for electoral activities would result in Supply Appropriation not being made in time in accordance to law to enable Government departments to perform their normal functions.

B. Appropriation limits have been reached across a number of sectors and therefore Government no longer has legal authority to effect payment to maintain all government’s functions. This includes the payment of some urgent overseas referrals, hospital meals as well as a number of critical needs.

C. Nauru cannot function without the legal authority for Government to fund these essential needs. Nauru must and shall continue to function. It is therefore necessary to place all functions, operations and finances of the Republic of Nauru under the direct control of the President, and I Order by this Proclamation, that all government departments, entities and instrumentalities including the Nauru Police Force and Reserve Member of the Force shall continue to function as normal and subject to direct orders of the President.

D. The situation has reached a state where Government cannot carry out its function in accordance with the Constitution and other laws and the only solution the Constitution provides for the situation, is through emergent and extraordinary measures.

E. The situation has been reviewed by the President and Cabinet and having been satisfied on the advice that I have received, that there now exists a grave threat to the economy and security of the Republic of Nauru, such as to justify the declaration of a state of emergency.

NOW, THEREFORE, 

in accordance with Article 77 of the Constitution of Nauru, and in pursuance of the deliberations and decisions of the said meetings, I, HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO,M.P, President of the Republic on Nauru and Chairman of the Cabinet, PROCLAIM, as follows:

1. A State of Emergency exists throughout Nauru.
2. That the Constitution of the Republic of Nauru shall remain in place except for those Articles of the Constitution, specifically excluded from the application and operation by Presidential Order made under Part IX of the Constitution.
3. This Proclamation shall come into force at once and may be extended by further proclamations.

DECLARED AT NAURU this Twenty Seventh day of May, 2013

HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P

PRESIDENT

CONSTITUTION OF NAURU

PART IX

EMERGENCY POWERS

PRESIDENTIAL ORDER 1

AUTHORISATION OF TREASURY PAYMENTS

By the powers vested in that behalf in me under Part IX of the Constitution of Nauru and all other powers enabling me, I, HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P, President of the Republic of Nauru DO HEREBY order and authorise the withdrawals of monies from the Treasury Fund to meet expenditures for the purposes and in accordance with the Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2013 approved by Cabinet on May 27th 2013.

GIVEN under my hand this 27thday of May, 2013

HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P

PRESIDENT

CONSTITUTION OF NAURU

PART IX

EMERGENCY POWERS

PRESIDENTIAL ORDER 2

WRIT FOR A GENERAL ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

TO: RETURNING OFFICER,

GREETING!

FOLLOWING THE PUBLIC PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT DECLARING A STATE OF EMERGENCY ON MAY 27, 2013 EXERCISED UNDER PART IX OF THE CONSTITUTION OF NAURU. THIS IS TO COMMAND YOU TO CAUSE ELECTIONS TO BE MADE TO ELECT MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT TO SERVE IN THE TWENTY FIRST PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAURU AND I APPOINT JUNE 8TH 2013 TO BE THE DATE WHEN THE POLL FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE SAID ELECTIONS SHALL BE TAKEN.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AT NAURU THIS 27thDAY OF MAY 2013

HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P

PRESIDENT

CONSTITUTION OF NAURU

PART IX

EMERGENCY POWERS

PRESIDENTIAL ORDER 3

ELECTION DATES

By virtue of the powers vested in that behalf in me under Part IX of the Constitution of Nauru and all other powers enabling me, I, HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P, President of the Republic of Nauru DO HEREBY order and declare that the dates for the General Elections be as follows:-

Date of Issues of President’s Writ                 -             27th May 2013

Closure of the Electoral Rolls                         -             29th May 2013 (12.00 noon)

Nominations Open                                           -             29th May 2013 (12.00 noon)

Nomination Close                                            -             1st June 2013 (12.00 noon)

Last date of Withdrawal of Nomination         -              5th June 2013 (5.00 P.M.)

Polling Day                                                       -              8th June 2013 (11.00 A.M. – 6.00 P.M.)

Insofar as any part of section of the Electoral Act or any other law is inconsistent with this order, it is to the extent necessary, hereby be suspended.

GIVEN under my hand this 27thday of May, 2013

HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P

PRESIDENT

CONSTITUTION OF NAURU

PART IX

EMERGENCY POWERS

PRESIDENTIAL ORDER 4

APPOINTMENT OF RETURNING OFFICER

By the powers vested in that behalf in me under Part IX of the Constitution of Nauru and all other powers enabling me, I, HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P, President of the Republic of Nauru DO HEREBY appoint Mr. Bernard Grundler, the Acting Chief Secretary to be the Returning Officer to conduct a General Election to elect members of Parliament to serve in the Twenty First Parliament of the Republic of Nauru.

GIVEN under my hand this 27th day of May, 2013

HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P

PRESIDENT

CONSTITUTION OF NAURU

PART IX

EMERGENCY POWERS

PRESIDENTIAL ORDER 5

APPOINTMENT OF ELECTORAL REGISTRAR AND DEPUTY ELECTORAL REGISTRAR

By the powers vested in that behalf in me under Part IX of the Constitution of Nauru and all other powers enabling me, I, HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P, President of the Republic of Nauru DO HEREBY make the following appointments for the General Election to elect members of Parliament to serve in the Twenty First Parliament of the Republic of Nauru.

1. Mr. Antonius A. Maybir as Electoral Registrar
2. Ms. Ophelia Caleb as Deputy Electoral Registrar

GIVEN under my hand this 27thday of May, 2013

HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P

PRESIDENT

CONSTITUTION OF NAURU

PART IX

EMERGENCY POWERS

PRESIDENTIAL ORDER 6

APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY RETURNING OFFICERS

By the powers vested in that behalf in me under Part IX of the Constitution of Nauru and all other powers enabling me, I, HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P, President of the Republic of Nauru DO HEREBY appoint Mr. Sasi Kumar and Mr. Michael Cain to be the Deputy Returning Officers for the General Election to be held on June 8th, 2013 to elect members of Parliament to serve in the Twenty First Parliament of the Republic of Nauru.

GIVEN under my hand this 27thday of May, 2013

HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P

PRESIDENT

CONSTITUTION OF NAURU

PART IX

EMERGENCY POWERS

PRESIDENTIAL ORDER 7

REFERENCE TO SUPREME COURT

By the powers vested in that behalf in me under Part IX of the Constitution of Nauru and all other powers enabling me, I, HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P, President of the Republic of Nauru DO HEREBY order and declare that all rights and obligations conferred upon the citizens of Nauru under the Constitution or any other law on Nauru, to refer to the Supreme Court any question regarding any Articles of the Constitution or to initiate any proceedings in the Supreme Court are hereby revoked, unless expressly ordered under my hand.

GIVEN under my hand this 27thday of May, 2013

HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, M.P

PRESIDENT

CONSTITUTION OF NAURU

PART IX

EMERGENCY POWERS

PRESIDENTIAL ORDER 8

REMOVAL OF SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER

Despite all the efforts that have need made to dissolve the 20th Parliament in an orderly fashion that would take into consideration the timely dates to avoid Elections disrupting the budgetary process. The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Landon Deireragea, M.P and Speaker, Hon. Godfrey Thoma, M.P has deliberately and needlessly prolonged the dissolving of the 20th Parliament and refusing to comply with the Presidential letter of dissolution.

THEREFORE

In order to avoid further disruption to the Electoral process and also to allow clear passage of Presidential Order 2. I write to the Returning Officer by superseding any previous order by the Speaker. I therefore with immediate effect remove the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of Parliament from their respective offices.

GIVEN under my hand this 28th day of May, 2013

HON. SPRENT ARUMOGO DABWIDO, MP

PRESIDENT