Speaker's Interview with Nauru Media

Nauru media interviewed the Speaker of Parliament the Hon. Ludwig Scotty regarding the Supreme Court injunction on the Speaker’s dissolution writ on Friday 15, March 2013. According to the Speaker, he said, he had failed members of his constituency because of his failure to dissolve parliament.

The Speaker said what have happened is the first time in Nauru that the President and the Speaker have agreed to dissolve parliament. He said playing politics is similar to playing chess, where you have to analyse your opponents move in-order to know what you have to do next and he stressed that that is unacceptable.

He said if I’m to abide with the Supreme Court decision to protect our democracy and I have to resign from the speakership, the question is, what will happen if the deputy speaker assumes the seat and further entertain the current political crisis or suspend parliament to prolong the continuity of the current political shambles?

The Speaker said, the opposition party has told Nauru media and other members of the communities that they will consider the dissolution, so why didn’t they just follow the current dissolution if they are genuine?

If I am to resign, then what will happen? Will the Supreme Court make a writ to dissolve parliament? In fact the Speaker said, he never made any promises to abide with the Supreme Court verdict, but he said he will allow the Supreme Court to carry on with its role to interpret the Constitution.

According to the Speaker of Parliament Hon. Ludwig Scotty, he said but what happens in parliament is outside of the Chief Justice jurisdiction and scope of works, as parliament is another arm under the three separations of power in the country.   

The Speaker said enough is enough and I will not tolerate any more heckling in parliament. The president and I have agreed to dissolve parliament. What mandate did the opposition have here? I reckon they don’t have any mandate, unless they said they have supporters in the government, and then those must throw in their towels and resign from their ministerial post and show their true colours.

Nauru is a sovereign country and it should consider resolving its own problem domestically and don’t need for any members of parliament to go and tell the overseas media about our commotions etc. except just members of parliament acting childish.

The Tiny Island in the pacific “Nauru” could be the most corrupt country in the world

Since the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nauru has issued his final judgement on the country’s political crisis, the President H.E Sprent Dabwido and the Speaker of Parliament Hon. Ludwig Scotty left the country and haven’t returned leaving the Nauruan people in a black-hole while they are enjoying their vacations.

The actions conducted by the two elected leaders of the country is very disappointing for many since they both decide to fly out of the country after the Supreme Court decision was issued to call off the election announcement that was already being declared by both leaders on Government Gazette and Nauru Television News.

If Nauru ever need a true leader to lead the country into reforms, then now is the time where the country’s true leaders have to stand up and address the problem, rather than running away from the problem and leaving the country in uncertainty. Members of the Opposition have proven their point in the Supreme Court and the question is the Government, the President or the Speaker of Parliament able to prove theirs?

According to many concern citizens, this dysfunctional parliament should not be allowed by the President and the Speaker of Parliament to go on, but must come to an end. Nauru is sick and tired of politics and they want the poll. 

Supreme Court Ruling on the Speaker Dissolution Writ

After a long week of political crisis and Supreme Court challenges between the Opposition party and the Speaker of Parliament pending the outcome of the dissolution of the twentieth parliament, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court the Hon. Geoffrey Eames QC, as finally made a ruling on the dissolution, stating that the Speaker of Parliament’s writ for dissolution is void and of no effect. Therefore the Chief Justice has directed the Speaker of Parliament the Hon. Ludwig Scotty to reconvene parliament within the next 28 days. According to the Chief Justice Mr Eames on the question of whether the Chief Justice has the power to direct parliament, he said the Chief Justice role is to interpret and protect the Constitution of Nauru, so to avoid any dictatorial mandatory provisions that are not in line with the Supreme Law.

Email Correspondent with the Hon. Matthew Batsiua

Earlier this morning, I wrote an email to the Hon. Matthew Batsiua to see his view on the Speaker’s decision in relations to the dissolution of parliament.

Mr Batsiua said, the Speaker has painted himself into a corner by not following through with his promise in Court and that is to call for a Parliament Sitting if the Court ruled against his decision.

He said the Speaker’s excuse for not having the power to recall Parliament is wrong. Therefore we will be asking the Courts today to compel him to call Parliament so we can dissolve the House properly.

According to the honourable member, he said their party is committed to the dissolution so fresh elections can happen soon and further stated that they are not looking at stopping the dissolution.

BREAKING NEWS

WARNING

THERE ARE 31 ASYLUM SEEKERS ON THE LOOSE FROM THE REGIONAL PROCESSING CENTRE.

WHEN YOU FIND THEM, CALL THE POLICE ON TELEPHONE NUMBER 110

Ex-change email with the Honourable Speaker of Parliament

Earlier on today I wrote an email to the Speaker of Parliament the Hon. Ludwig Scotty regarding his decision to dissolving the twentieth parliament without considering the Supreme Court declaration and the nine members request through petition to call for an urgent parliament sitting.

The Speaker Hon. Ludwig Scotty said, the matter is not as simple as what the Member for Ewa and Anetan said the Hon. Marcus Stephen or others may have put it. My action was not even about the one MP’s progressive commotion in parliament, nor do I intend to even protect the President.

I have been in parliament for the last thirty years non-stop as a president for four years during the down years of our beloved nation going through an extreme economic crisis in 2004 to 2007, a minister in government for six years and also held many other important public offices in Nauru during my consecutive years serving the country.

I have experienced so much of our political set-up in the governance of our country coming from members of parliament, who became part of cabinet. I have observed with regrets that the present set-up of both government and parliament is shambolic extended back to the period prior to the year 2010.

To relate a very long story, cut short, in connection to what I have done to close up parliament ‘sine-die’ and do whatever is necessary in my powers to serve the best interest of the people of Nauru is to allow them to exercise their rights and powers to vote for refresh parliament in April.

My action was not done in any way to protect the president, but in fact it is up to the proud people of Meneng to decide the president’s fate in politics now that we are into the new election, which would have otherwise gone through the normal three years period interval, which will be in August.

As Speaker, I am not even trying to protect myself, nor any other members of parliament as I acted on my own initiative of what I think is best for the people of our beautiful nation Naoero.

I say many people will agree that the problem our country had encountered during these recent times regarding the uncertainty of the members of government and their individual conduct had long been there before the last General Election in June 2010, where the government under Mr Stephen was operating in irregular fashions.

If I had to touch on just a few things for instance, including the six months period for State of Emergency where the government dictated everything even passing a budget without parliamentary approval, I had no choice but take up the speakership position to break the government’s deadlock upon the nation of ‘business as usual’.

Then there was change of government which went to Mr Pitcher as president for few days then onto President Dabwido through manipulation who then during the course of his governance sacked all ministers and took on his old gang as Cabinet Ministers.

As Speaker, I find both government and parliament having problem with administration where even there is a mix of personalities with different views of governance in Cabinet and so forth with many other progressive discrepancies. In my view, the government set up exacerbated by unruly behaviours of certain drunk Member of Parliament in the House treating the people’s house like a bar-room brawling unit, and also unruly behaviours from some.  

Though there are some members who I believe are against the dissolution and not ready for an early election have been disputing my move by taking me to court etc. I will still pursue my action in regard to the dissolution process and therefore let the people of Nauru have the chance to decide who should be the most honourable people to represent them in the people’s parliament.

The Chief Justice had made a ruling not in my favour in the ‘Constitutional Declaration’ under Article 41 which is an opinion where it touches on the responsibilities of the Speaker. But however, with respect to the ‘separation of powers’ the Chief Justice clearly stated that under my responsibilities as Speaker I could take what action I would so desire.

My stern position is - all out for a new election even though as usual I have personal caution as there will be good people vying for my seat. If I do not make it, it is my people’s choice which I respect the most being their servant. I believe in the choice of taking those under your responsibilities to ‘where they do not want to be, but ought to be’.

I would take it that the Nauruan’s are not against me in my push for an early election so to refresh the contaminated House of Parliament which had rubbed off onto the irregular governance of our beloved Naoero. I would welcome others considerable view on this.

I have great belief in the words of the Good Book the Bible which states… “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn”.

May God Bless Nauru and it beloved people. 

Ex-change Email with Hon. Marcus Stephen – Opposition party

Since the Speaker of Parliament Hon. Ludwig Scotty has issued a declaration that parliament has been dissolved on Friday 8, of March 2013, I wrote an email to the Opposition Leader Hon. Marcus Stephen to share his opinion on the Speaker’s action to dissolving parliament without allowing the members of parliament their right to contest the motion under Article 41 of the Constitution of Nauru.

Mr Stephen said, what the Speaker did after the Chief Justice has made his declaration is very disappointing. Especially when he gave his word that he will abide with the Supreme Court’s decision. He said the declaration made by the Chief Justice on Article 41 is very clear, the dissolution recommended by the President must go through the process under Article 41.

These include (1) President advice and hand a signed letter to Speaker of Parliament of the dissolution, (2) Speaker to read the dissolution letter to the House and (3) Speaker refers the dissolution to the members of parliament. He said 1 and 2 has been done but not 3.

Furthermore Mr Stephen said, according to the declaration made by the Chief Justice, the dissolution has not started since Article 41 of the Constitution of Nauru which is the Supreme Law, has not been met.

He said the Speaker has the powers to call Parliament within the 7 days when the House was adjourned sine die and under Article 41 to ensure members can agree or disagree to the dissolution. Plus the President can also reconvene the Sitting to allow the processes under Article 41, but both have not done anything.

According to Mr Stephen, he said this is not an issue or debate on the Speakers decision to sine die parliament, the Speaker under Standing Orders can adjourn the House sine die, but again, it is not about numbers on the floor and it is not about going back to the elections (we all want to dissolve). But it is about Article 41 and protecting the Supreme Law of Nauru, the Constitution.

He said this is for a very good reason. For example, let’s say that President and Speaker are very good friends. If the other remaining 16 members wish to move a no confidence vote against the President, then the majority on the floor must be given the opportunity. However, Article 41 is established to have this protection to the majority MPs and not what we have today a dictatorial Leader and Speaker who will dissolve the House then run out of Parliament and not call a Sitting and allow 7 days to pass so the dissolution kicks in.

Where is the democracy? Mr Stephen said.

He said unless there is no number on the floor then it’s good. But at least the members on the floor should have agreed to dissolve. Again this is very important, because every member representing their constituencies speaks on behalf of their people. What has happened is that the Speaker and the President have decided for everyone, leaving the elected members of parliament to have no say.

Mr Stephen said the people from Ewa and Anetan never asked the President and Speaker to decide matters on our behalf. I am sure people from Aiwo, Boe and other constituencies will never asked the President and Speaker to decide matters on their behalf. Again it is the principle of democracy, let the elected members decide to agree or disagree.

However, he said going back to the petition signed by the nine MPs under Article 42 for a sitting that was very specific and that a motion under Article 24 is to be moved as parliament has no confidence in the President and his Cabinet. Nine members signed the petition. This under standing orders takes precedence during the Sitting. Again Speaker ignored this and read his statement about unruly behaviour.

Mr Stephen said did the action of one member “Heckling” at the earlier sitting deserve to penalise everyone? Heckling is normal in any Parliament sitting but as long as not beyond reasonable. The Chief Justice in his declaration also said that such behaviour can be dealt with by Speaker by removing the member out from the House for contempt.

He said I for one as a Member of Parliament should not let this one go. If I do then I shouldn’t be standing for MP. We are talking here about upholding the Supreme Law of Nauru and no one is above the Law. Every MP should be disappointed.

In conclusion Mr Stephen said you can see that some of us have no choice but to take the next step and that is to take the Speaker to Court. What happens after is up to the Chief Justice to decide for himself.

Re-cap Story on Nauru's Political Crisis

On Wednesday 29, August 2012, the Government of Australia and the Government of Nauru signed an agreement to re-open Nauru’s Processing Centre that was established on the Island by the former Australian Prime Minister Mr John Howard in 2001. The purpose of the camp is to discourage the human smuggling business in Asia from sending people over to Australia.

After a long political drama in Australia and giving the pressure that was bestowed on the Gillard government's shoulder relating to the increasing number of illegal immigrants death in the sea, finally the Prime Minister Julia Gillard and her Immigration Minister Mr Chris Bowen has finally accept to compromise with the Opposition Leader Tony Abott’s plan to re-opening the Processing Centre in Nauru.

The project started off with a very smooth start where phone calls are made between the President of Nauru His Excellency President Sprent Dabwido and the Prime Minister of Australia Ms Julia Gillard, following the signing of contract and other enabling documents to get the camp up and running. After all the paperwork stuffs, Australia sent in their delegation to inspect the site at the topside where the asylum seekers will be housed, following the arrival of members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to set-up and install tents for the Asylum Seekers.

Then on Friday 14, September 2012, the first batch of Asylum Seekers arrived on the Island  under heavy security from Australia to the Nauru International Airport and all the way up to the Centre, following the arrival of the Transfield, Salvation Army and the Wilson Security Services.  

On Monday 5, of November 2012, a South Asia company called RCI Logistic signed a contract with the Nauru Government following the initiative of the President of Nauru His Excellency Sprent Dabwido to introducing a higher tax charges on all the Regional Processing Centre good imports through the Nauru and RCI Border control venture. Few weeks later, Cabinet and Caucus had a meeting and the President’s plan for RCI Nauru has been rejected, following the departure of the company from the country and the beginning of Nauru’s political crisis.

On Friday 30, November 2012, His Excellency President Sprent Dabwido went on Nauru Television News  expressing his personal disappointments against his Cabinet Ministers along with the members of their caucus, criticizing them along with their legal advisors for turning against his plans with RCI. Few days later the President and the then Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon. Keiren Keke had an augment over the president’s interview, which triggered his decision to resign from his ministerial post at the first parliament sitting in 2013.

At the first Parliament sitting in 2013, date Thursday 7, February 2013, lot of surprises occurred. Firstly the President’s party including his own Ministers deserted the president and voted against him while the Opposition party voted alongside the President for the decision to differ the motion under article 24 to the next sitting, which motion is being defeated.   

Secondly, the Minister for Transport Riddell Akua entering parliament under intoxication of alcohol and interrupting members adjournment debate and posting offensive gestures during the parliament proceedings. Finally the Speaker of Parliament the Hon. Ludwig Scotty after trying to put the house in order and members are strangely reluctant to adhere to the Speaker, he stood up and walked out of Parliament while the house is in session due to member’s misconduct behaviour. 

Few days after the first parliament sitting in 2013, the President terminated the Minister for CIE Marcus Stephen and the Minister for Finance Roland Kun resigned from his ministerial post, leaving the government office bearers to just three cabinet ministers including the President.

On Tuesday 12, of February 2013, nine members of Parliament including the Hon. Marcus Stephen, Hon. Keiren Keke, Hon. Roland Kun, Hon. Godfrey Thoma, Hon. Landon Deireragea, Hon. Matthew Batsiua, Hon. Frederick Pitcher, Minister for Transport Riddell Akua and Minister for NRC Dominic Tabuna petition the Speaker of Parliament the Hon. Ludwig Scotty to call for an urgent parliament and the Speaker didn’t entertain their request due to the offences caused at the last parliament sitting.

Then sometimes later the President Sprent Dabwido called for a cabinet meeting and was advised by his legal advisor that cabinet cannot meet as it doesn’t have the number to have a quorum. Thus the President is advised by his legal advisor to select at least two to three more members of parliament to constitute a quorum, which resulted in the appointment of the Minister for Education Aloysius Amwano and the Minister for Health Shadlog Benicke, on Thursday 21, of February 2013.

On Friday 1, of March 2013, parliament reconvened. First the Speaker of Parliament read out the President’s letter to dissolved parliament and then secondly the Speaker express is disappointment on the member’s behaviour at the last parliament sitting saying that parliament is left into shambles, and then the Speaker adjourned the house sine die.

Following the Speaker’s decision to sine die parliament, on the same day the Hon. Marcus Stephen appeared on Nauru Television News expressing his concern and disappointment against the Speaker’s action to sine die parliament, without allowing the members of parliament to contest the president’s motion to dissolve the twentieth parliament under article 41 of the Constitution of Nauru, and will file a complaint at the Supreme Court.

The following week on Tuesday 5, March 2013, the Minister for Education Aloysius Amwano said on Nauru Television News that he couldn’t find any fault with the Speaker’s decision to sine die, since there is nothing under the Constitution of Nauru that says the Speaker of Parliament cannot adjourn parliament.

On Wednesday 6, March 2013, the Supreme Court of Nauru issued it verdict on the matter concerning the Speaker’s decision to sine die parliament, and it went in favour of the opposition party, except also made known that the matter lies in the hands of the Speaker of Parliament to decide whether to consider or not consider the Supreme Court decision, since Supreme Court has no power over the parliament of Nauru.

On Friday 8, March 2013, the Hon. Matthew Batsiua said on Nauru Television News that parliament will not dissolve unless the Speaker of Parliament reconvene parliament and tabled the president’s motion to be contested. Later on the same day, the Speaker issued a declaration that parliament is dissolved and that the next general election will be held in April 6, 2013. 

Court Case Against RONPHOS and NRC Settled Outside of Court

The court case against Nauru’s two biggest corporations RONPHOS and NRC has been settled outside of court. The Plaintiff Mr Ronald David said he is grateful that the matter has been settled peacefully, since all he wants is to clear his name.

According to Mr David’s Representative Mr Mark Gilbert and Mr Lincoln Smith, the settlement terms are confidential, since their client wants to keep his privacy. Hence, they both said that they are all happy with the outcome of the matter. 

NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION

After the Speaker of Parliament the Hon. Ludwig Scotty issued a declaration notice regarding the dissolution of parliament, he also issued the date for the next general election that is to take place early next month.

Copy of the Gazette wording attached below for your information.

ELECTORAL ACT 1965

Section 15(1)

Schedule 8 - FORM A

WRIT FOR A GENERAL ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT FOR THE REPUBLIC OF NAURU

To: the Returning Officer

This is to command you to cause elections to be made, according to law, of Members to serve in Parliament for the Republic of Nauru; and I appoint sixth of April, 2013, to be the date when the poll (if any) for the purposes of the elections will be taken.

Given under my hand at Nauru, this eighth day of March, Two Thousand and Thirteen.

HON. LUDWIG SCOTTY, M.P.

SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT

 _____________________________

CONSTITUTION OF NAURU

ARTICLE 39

NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION

By virtue of the powers vested in me by Article 39 of the Constitution of Nauru and in accordance with the advice of His Excellency the President, I, Hon. Ludwig Scotty, Speaker of Parliament of Nauru, hereby give notice that a General Election of Members of Parliament will be held on the sixth day of April 2013.

GIVEN under my hand this eighth day of March, Two Thousand and Thirteen.

HON. LUDWIG SCOTTY, M.P.

SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT

_______________________________

DISSOLUTION OF TWENTIETH PARLIAMENT

Yesterday evening, the Speaker of Parliament Hon. Ludwig Scotty through the Government Gazette No. 174 / 2013 has declared the twentieth parliament of Nauru dissolved.

Copy of the Gazette wording attached below for your information.

CONSTITUTION OF NAURU

ARTICLE 41(4)

DISSOLUTION OF TWENTIETH PARLIAMENT

By virtue of the powers on that behalf vested in me by Article 41(4) of the Constitution of Nauru, and all other powers enabling me, I, Hon. Ludwig Scotty, Speaker of Parliament, in accordance with the advice of the President of the Republic of Nauru, hereby dissolve the Twentieth Parliament of the Republic of Nauru.

GIVEN under my hand this eighth day of March, Two Thousand and Thirteen.

HON. LUDWIG SCOTTY, M.P.

SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT

Opposition Party Calling for an Urgent Parliament Sitting

The members of the Opposition Party is calling on the Speaker of Parliament the Hon. Ludwig Scotty to call for an urgent parliament meeting to resolve the ongoing dispute relating to the president’s decision directed to the Speaker on Friday 1st of March 2013, to dissolve parliament.

Opposition spokesman the Hon. Matthew Batsiua said, he made a private call to the Speaker of Parliament on a phone requesting his indulgence to recall parliament urgently and the Speaker said that matter lies in the hands of the president to decide if whether parliament should meet or not.

Mr Batsiua said he advised the Speaker that though the president has submitted a letter for dissolution, the Speaker of Parliament still have the power to recall parliament to appropriately deal with the issue at hand for dissolution in accordance with Article 41 of the Constitution of Nauru, taking in account the Supreme Court verdict.

According to Mr Batsiua the seven days interval hasn’t begun and cannot begin unless the president’s motion is tabled in parliament to be contested. Otherwise, the Speaker seemed strangely reluctant to consider dealing with the matter appropriately and then a challenge will be raised again at the Supreme Court. 

Radical News Update in Nauru

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Supreme Court Verdict on the Constitutional Challenge

Earlier on today the Supreme Court verdict has been given concerning the Constitutional challenge against the Speaker of Parliament’s decision to sine die parliament on Friday 1st March 2013. 

The verdict was in favour of the opposition’s claim as mentioned by the Hon. Marcus Stephen of being denied of their parliamentary right under Article 41 of the Constitution of Nauru to contest the president’s motion to dissolving parliament.  

According to the Supreme Court verdict, the Speaker must consider the president’s advice to dissolving parliament by allowing the members of parliament to contest the motion made by the president. 

Furthermore, the Judge of the Supreme Court said, it is now up to the Speaker of Parliament to consider the verdict or not, since a verdict has been made in accordance with Article 54 of the Constitution of Nauru.

Poor Management in Nauru's Transport System

On Monday 4th of March 2013, parents are complaining again about their children arriving home at almost 6:00pm in the evening due to late buses. This problem is becoming more of a nightmare for many parents in the community, since there is a law that’s been passed in parliament in 2011 that will penalize parents if their children didn’t attend school.

Since the law is passed, parents have been doing their best to make sure that their children went to school every day while at the same time they are trying to save their own neck from being caught, but unfortunately, since 2011 complains after complains have been raised with the responsible department the Department of Transport and yet, nothing is done.

However, till today parents are sending their children to school every day only to find their children arriving home very late in the even totally weary, starving and dehydrating for spending long hours waiting for their buses at the school without any food or drink to sustain their energy and fluid.

School schedule is from 8:00am to 12:00pm for those at play-centre, and 8:00am to 3:00pm for those from pre-school to Form 6.

Lucky for some of those at the secondary level as they are old enough to be able to walk on foot after school despite the walking distance plus the hot sun in the afternoon, but sorry those at the age of infant and primary, since they have to suffer because of this poor management system in place at the Ministry of Transport.

Although there have been several dialogues between the Department of Education and the Department of Transport through emails and face to face meeting since 2011, regarding the need to improve and monitor the school bus services and activities, work quality is only getting worst and management are doing nothing to improve their system.

As long as nothing is been done to improve this system, children will continue to suffer. 

Update on Nauru’s Political Crisis

The Minister for Education Hon. Aloysius Amwano made a statement on Nauru Media responding to the Hon. Marcus Stephen’s claim against the Speaker of Parliament’s action to sine die parliament on Friday 1st of March 2013.

According to Minister Amwano, he find no fault with the Speaker’s decision to sine die parliament due to the fact that the opposition party does not have the number to challenge the president’s request as they are the minority number in parliament comprising just seven members to ten against the government.

The Minister said, Mr Stephen have no right to determine and interpret the Constitution of Nauru, except have the right to file a complaint to the judge of the Supreme Court in regard to the particular article in question, as that is the Constitution.

Besides that the Minister said, Mr Stephen’s concern raised on media earlier is very apathetical along with his opinion on the Constitution, because the government still maintain the majority number in the house and the number to carry forward its business.

The Minister said the political crisis that Nauru has seen recently is not caused by members of parliament, except by the cabinet and caucus themselves, because of their personality problem on whom they prefer to be president other than His Excellency President Sprent Dabwido.

The Minister said that is why the President terminated Mr Stephen from his Ministerial post, because they threaten to overthrow the president from his position.  

The Minister said what had happened is an act of insubordination. To use common sense, the parliamentarians have a leader and that is the Speaker of Parliament. So is the government the President. If you cannot work with your president, it is an honourable thing to do if you submit your resignation like Mr Keke.

In closing the Minister said their government is steady and functional. 

Court Case Against RONPHOS and NRC

Yesterday the former CEO for RONPHOS and NRC Mr Ronald David arrived on Nauru with two expert legal practitioners to file a civil case against the two companies he dually managed during his tenure of service in Nauru in 2012.

Mr David was terminated by the Minister for RONPHOS and NRC the Hon. Dominic Tabuna on contract breach allegation.  

Before Mr David flew out of the country last year, he warned the Minister that he will be back to contest the allegation made against him so he can clear his name from the alleged corruption charge which resulted in his termination. 

His arrival yesterday has made great interest for some in Nauru to await the verdict of the case.

One of the very interesting things about this case is because there have been concerns raised with one of the President Dabwido’s supporters in parliament the Hon. Matthew Batsiua, and he said Mr David’s case has no legs to challenge their government’s decision.

Yesterday the “no leg case” has finally made its way to appeared before the Chief Justice the Hon. Geoffrey Eames QC for admission. 

Nauru Parliament Dissolution Update

Former President and Minister for CIE the Hon. Marcus Stephen appeared on Nauru Media expressing his concern and disappointment against the Speaker of Parliament the Hon. Ludwig Scotty for adjourning the house sine die on Friday 1st of March 2013.

Mr Stephen said he regret having this interview as he has personal respect to the Speaker of Parliament, but he is doing it not just for his party, but really on behalf of all the members of parliament, since they have been denied the right to challenging the president’s decision to dissolving the 20th parliament.

Mr Stephen said the proper way to handle the president’s request is for the speaker to allow the members of parliament to challenge the president’s request under Article 41 of the Constitution of Nauru.

He said the speaker’s decision to 'sine die' parliament is unconstitutional and maybe challenged in the Supreme Court, because the speaker is determining the matter by himself rather than leaving it to the elected members.

Mr Stephen said he feared that the country may be run by a dictator president and speaker of parliament should this matter be left unresolved. 

Voters Transfer

While Nauru’s political game has peaked, new candidates for the next general election are spending lots of money to transferring voters from one constituency to another to pave their way into parliament. Targeted group are those who have just reach the eligible age for voting, since they still have the choice to decide where they want to cast their vote for the first time.

The Government office is packed for over the past two weeks from 9:00am to 5:00pm, and campaign managers are rallying around Nauru collecting people who are willing to sale their votes for money. This has been a practise in Nauru since the past general elections and today it is still pouring. While the vote lobbying and other campaign strategies have been considered by the candidates, some people feel very disappointed since their transfer applications have been rejected, for not satisfying the requirements of the Electoral Act 1965 recently amended in 2012 and in forced under parliament resolution. 

The act states that voters are only allowed to apply for a transfer to their respective birth district, or to the district in which they’ve been living in for the past 2 months. Some people call this system corrupt, but in fact the system is introduced to resolve the issue of vote sale fundraisers after the occurrence in the last general election in 2010, where people were transferred today to another constituency and the next day being re-transferred again to another and so forth.

This problem has caused problem in the poll, while others may have been playing with the transfer system ended up having two to three names in two to three separate constituency. Today, the government has tightened up their belts and making sure that any breach of the amendment act will be penalized. 

Parliament Dissolution

After a long political saga, His Excellency President Sprent Dabwido has finally delivered a letter to the Speaker of Parliament the Hon. Ludwig Scotty to dissolve parliament. The Speaker after reading His Excellency’s letter expressed his deepest disappointment reflecting on the honourable member’s behaviour at the last parliament sitting.

Speaker of Parliament Hon. Ludwig Scotty M.P

Where the govern laws of parliament are deliberately breached by an act of misconduct of the Minister for Transport the Hon. Riddell Akua, by interrupting members adjournment debate and using offensive gestures towards members of the opposition party.

Despite the Speaker’s 30 years of service in the Nauru Parliament, he said this is the first time he had to walk out of his seat while parliament is in its proceedings. Before parliament adjourned, the Speaker shared to the honourable members about something that he had learned from the founding fathers of Nauru including the first President of Nauru the late Sir. Hammer DeRoburt.

He said, once a person asked His Excellency DeRoburt why did members of parliament are called honourable. President DeRoburt said, because they are few amongst the many, who are been given the honour to represent the many needs of the people in their constituency.

After few words from the Speaker, Parliament adjourned.