Ellender Ngirameketti, elected speaker of the KAK, said legislators Russel Masayos, Hideki Takataro and Azaria “Asa” Timarong did not swear- in on Tuesday, as the schedule set for all the elected legislators to have their oath.
“On that Tuesday, they did not take their oath, I don’t know why. They have their own reason.” Ngirameketti said in an interview.
The speaker said that prior to their oath taking on Tuesday, they convened for a meeting. But the three did not attend. Nevertheless, the four other members went to Melekeok court after the meeting to have their oath and went back to the Legislature office afterwards to conduct business to vote for the legislative officers.
Ngirameketti said that upon their arrival at the office the three legislators were already there. But they did not participate in the selection of officers. However the session was still went on as they have the quorum. He said they were four legislators and five ranking chiefs were present during the session.
The KAK is consisting of 17 members. Ten ranking chiefs represent four main hamlets and seven members, who shall be elected at large for a term of two years.
Ngirameketti said that as part of the process the three legislators have must their oath. He said that as long as they have not officially sworn in they cannot participate in legislative works.
On Monday the newly elected legislative members will have their session.
Meanwhile, Ngirameketti together with Margie Bechab and Francis “Titich” Termeteet have conducted their oath yesterday at the Supreme Court as the elected officers of the Legislature.
Ngirameketti was sworn in as the Speaker, Bechab as the Vice-Speaker and Termeteet as the Floor leader.
The swearing was administered by Associate Justice Alexandra Foster.
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