North Malaita leader criticises banning of Police Commissioner

An elder from Malaita province criticises Government action declaring the Commissioner of Police an undesirable immigrant.

John Leta Wawari of Ubere village, in North Malaita says the declaration which outlawed the Police commissioner was made outside the provisions of the Constitution.

Mr Wawari says procedures for the appointment and termination of the Commissioner of Police are clearly provided for under the Constitution.

He says the Constitution stipulates that the Governor General appoints the Commissioner of Police on recommendation from the Prime Minister in consultation with the Judicial and Legal Services Commission.

Mr Wawari says the Commissioner of Police can therefore be removed from office by the same process.

He says by virtue of its statutory functions, the Commissioner of Police can freely exercise his rights in the course of his official duties.

Mr Wawari says since the Constitution supercedes other statutory laws, Government's application of the Immigration Act in its case against Mr Castles is in breach of the Constitution.

Source: SIBC