A former chief secretary in the Bougainville Government has launched a legal suit alleging defamation.
Joseph Nobetau is accusing members of the former government, including the then president, John Momis, along with the Papua New Guinea broadcaster EMTV.
Mr Nobetau was sacked in 2019 by Mr Momis who said the chief secretary's relationship with the government had become untenable.
Mr Momis said Mr Nobetau had regularly described himself as more powerful than the president and the Bougainville executive council, and would shout at and abuse ministers.
ABG President John Momis (L) with Joseph Nobetau. Photo: ABG
Mr Momis said the chief secretary was required to report directly to him, but he had not made contact in nine months; he rarely attended meetings where his presence was mandatory; and had undermined the autonomous government aims, allowing the Papua New Guinea government agenda to take precedence.
Mr Nobetau said a statement by Mr Momis that he had acted in a corrupt manner was widely reported.
He said these views were untrue, false and deliberately conveyed with intent to cause harm to his reputation.
Mr Nobetau said it caused irreparable harm to his professional standing, both in Papua New Guinea and abroad and that is why he is seeking compensation.
Mr Nobetau's suit follows an earlier ruling in the National Court that he had been unlawfully sacked from the job.