Abal files bid to restrain O’Neill

By JULIA DAIA BORE

MEMBER for Wabag Sam Abal has set the court process into motion, attempting to restrain Peter O'Neill from executing his powers as the country's new prime minister, The National reports.
Abal's lawyers on Tuesday, soon after O'Neill's 70-24 victory,  filed in the National Court in Waigani documents seeking a judicial re­view to invalidate Tuesday's over­whel­ming vote in parliament that ousted Abal as acting prime minister. 
However, with the immediate swearing-in into office of O'Neill as the new prime minister of PNG by Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio, Abal's lawyers later amended the court documents. 
The new court documents filed by way of an originating summons is seeking restraining orders to stop the prime minister from executing his duties and powers of office. 
The matter was yesterday set for hearing tomorrow when parties are expected to make their submissions.
Abal had named O'Neill and parliament Speaker Jeffrey Nape as defendants.
Madang Governor Sir Arnold Amet is also expected to seek a special Supreme Court reference.
The reference was filed after midday yesterday and would be heard today.
Sir Arnold is seeking to have the Supreme Court interpret and determine the validity of Tuesday's  removal of the Somare-Abal government