A former chief secretary of Bougainville says he feels vindicated by a court decision ruling his dismissal last year was unconstitutional.
John Momis (left) and Joseph Nobetau. Photo: ABG
Joseph Nobetau was removed from the post after a clash with then president John Momis, who said the relationship had become untenable.
Nobetau was later offered compensation to stop him taking the matter to court, but he turned it down, saying the members of the Bougainville Executive Council had to abide by the laws under which they were elected.
Nobetau said his main offence was to expose corruption within the government.
"The misconduct, the misappropriation of funds within the administration were also leaking to ministers, and the only way to protect themselves was to get rid of me."
The unconstitutional activity was that the Bougainville Executive Council, the cabinet, dismissed him, when that should have been handled by the Bougainville Senior Appointments Committee.
Nobetau, who is now working in Port Moresby in a role for the Papua New Guinea government's chief secretary's office, said he hadn't sought re-instatement or compensation for the sacking.
But the office on Bougainville is empty after his predecessor ran in the August elections, and Nobetau indicated he could apply when it was advertised.
A key concern for Nobetau was what he sees as defamation of him by Momis, who he had once considered a friend.
He said he intended further legal action against the former president.