By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

Governor Jackson Ngiraingas on Wednesday said that he wants to expose what he discovered recently regarding what he calls an illegal land lease deal entered into between Peleliu’s number one chief Obak Isao Singeo and Shinji Chibana.
Ngiraingas provided a copy of a Memorandum of Understanding sworn in and signed between Singeo and Chibana, wherein the former shall lease and grant land use right to Chibana Ngeruchebtang Island for 30 years.
The island is located in the jurisdiction of Peleliu, according to the MOA which also said that High Chief Obak of Ngerdelolk, Isao Singeo, in the state of Peleliu claims the island of Ngerdelolk Village.
The Moa said that upon examination and interview with the various familymembers and individuals it is observed that High chief Obak of Ngerdelolk is the proper individual in charge and is authrorized to act and.or carry out any issues related to the island known as Ngeruchebtang.
The MOA also said that Shinji Chibana is a Palaun citizen and proposes to lease the island of Ngeruchebtang from chief Obak Singeo.
Governor Ngiraingas said that such lease agreement is illegal and that Chief Obak Singeo could be charged by the Peleliu State Public Lands Authority for violation of the law as well as he can be liable with misconduct in public office.
Ngiraingas also provided a copy of a letter he wrote to Chibana informing the latter that the MOU executed between Chibana and Singeo is null and void and has no legal force and effect whatsoever.
Ngiraingas also provided a copy of an invoice which Chibana and a certain Hiroshi Okagawa signed indicating Chibana received a total of $19,090 from Mr. Okagawa with $10,000 having been paid to Chief Obak Singeo after execution of the MOU.
Ngiraingas letter was dated March 9.
"If you still remember, I called you yesterday requesting copy of paid out receipt for the $10,000 yopu gave to Obak Isao Singeo and you said youneed to talk to Obak if it was okay. Through this letter, I am requesting you once again for copy of cash receipt for the above payment," Ngiraingas wrote to Chibana.
Ngiraingas clarified Chibana the ownership status of Ngeruchebtang Island, which he said that this island together with the other rock islands within the territorial jurisdiction of Peleliu are all public lands, with the exception of Ngercheu Island.
He said that Ngeruchebtang Island falls within the trusteeship of the Peleliu State Public Land Authority.
Ngiraingas noted that Singeo filed a claim over this island on behalf of Ngerdelolk hamlet.
Ngiraimgas said that Singeo is only a claimant for and on behalf of the above hamlet.
"He does not own this island in fee simple nor does h have personal claim over it. Therefore, he does not have any legal right to lease this island to anyone because the Land Court adjudication process for this island and others are still pending," noted Ngiraingas.
The governor said that Peleliu State Government will be party to the adjudication process so it is to the interest of the State to ensure its right is protected.
Ngiraingas warned Chibana not to enter this island without prior approval of Peleliu State Government.
He said that in the meantime, Peleliu State Marine Enforcement personnel will be informed of this to ensure compliance of state laws.