Speaker swears in seven

By LULU MARK
SEVEN of the 10 MPs that were declared after the first meeting of the 11th Parliament were sworn-in by the Speaker of Parliament Job Pomat yesterday.
The MPs sworn in were Francis Siune (Kerowagi), Simon Sia (Eastern Highlands provincial), Ramsey Pariwa (Madang provincial), Kessy Sawang (Rai Coast), Patrick Basa (Kabwum), Koni Iguan (Markham) and John Kaupa (Moresby North-East).
The MPs that did not make it to the swearing-in ceremony were Robert Atiyafa (Henganofi), Kevin Isifu (Wewak) and Lohia Boe Samuel (Moresby North-West).
Pomat told The National after the ceremony that those who missed would be rescheduled this week.
Clerk to Parliament Kala Aufa said the three MPs yet to be sworn in could be inducted tomorrow or Monday.
He said the next swearing-in ceremony for those that did not attend and the other seats yet to be declared would be done on Monday before the Parliament convened on Tuesday.
He said one of the MPs was sick and could not make it but the other two may not have received the announcement. “These MPs that were sworn in have been here since yesterday (Monday) attending the induction programme,” he said.
“So when we told them, they got here. You might say last minute but it’s your job to be here. It is important for MPs to attend the induction.”