Audio and pictures by TONY MABBEN
Tari-Pori MP James Marape has appealed for peace after winning yesterday's Court of Disputed Returns case filed against him by candidate Johnny Phillip Pokaya.
The court ruled yesterday that there was no evidence of bribery as alleged by Pokaya.
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Man-of-the-moment James Marape surrounded by jubilant supporters after yesterday's court decision.-Pictures by TONY MABBEN |
"First of all, I would like to thank everyone" Marape said outside court.
" During the course of this trial, we have been very peaceful.
"All candidates have the right to go to court.
" This is nothing personal.
"Johnny Phillip has take his petition to court and the court has dismissed them as baseless allegations.
" The court has made its ruling and I appeal to you, my people, not to take things personal.
"What people say can make things go wrong.
" The court has made its decision.
"The court ruled today that there was no evidence whatsoever against me."
Marape said he would travel to Tari today (Friday, May 4) where there were problems associated with tribal fighting and the earthquake disaster still going on.
" During the course of this trial, we have been very peaceful.
"All candidates have the right to go to court.
" This is nothing personal.
"Johnny Phillip has take his petition to court and the court has dismissed them as baseless allegations.
" The court has made its ruling and I appeal to you, my people, not to take things personal.
"What people say can make things go wrong.
" The court has made its decision.
"The court ruled today that there was no evidence whatsoever against me."
Marape said he would travel to Tari today (Friday, May 4) where there were problems associated with tribal fighting and the earthquake disaster still going on.
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| James Marape addressing supporters outside court. |
"I have been in Port Moresby for one month attending to the court petition," he said.
"Tomorrow (today) I will return home."
Marape said Philip owed him huge legal costs including K1.6 million from the 2012 election, and would have to pay as directed by the court.
"He has the right to go to court, and I also have the right to ask him to repay the money I spent in court," he said.
"I appeal to people to respect the decision of the court, and not to unnecessarily fight and argue.
" I appeal to everyone to be agents got peace in Hela.
"Let us all thank God for today's court decision."
Marape said he saw yesterday as his "personal Judgement Day".
" I held the Bible and said, 'if I have done anything wrong to my people of Tari-Pori, let the court get rid of me today'.
"I am happy that the court today passed judgement that I have done nothing wrong as per the petition."
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