KOROR (Palau Horizon) – Ngardmau’s state legislature has adopted a resolution impeaching Gov. Albert Ngirmekur for alleged misuse of public funds.
Resolution 5-11 has been submitted to the Palau Elections Commission which will schedule a special gubernatorial election.
Elections Commission Executive Director Baudista Rengulbai said the special election is scheduled on July 24.
In the event that more than two candidates will vie for the seat, the commission will conduct primary elections.
Ngirmekur, through his lawyer Roman Bedor filed on Tuesday a motion for a temporary restraining order on the special election. The motion was scheduled for a hearing late last week.
The Kelulul Ngardmau, the state legislature, cited several serious charges against Ngirmekur, mainly involving misappropriation of public funds.
According to the state legislators, Ngirmekur unlawfully purchased green machines, one of which he allegedly kept for himself.
The governor is also accused of not returning excess money to the state coffers; of forging signatures to pay himself; of spending public money to purchase materials and ship them on government boat free of charge; and of keeping and maintaining another account for Ngardmau state in violation of the state constitution.
The governor, moreover, is accused of spending $14,000 in state revenue; of using $350 in public funds to pay King’s Palace for food that cost $279 and keeping the balance for himself.
Ngirmekur was not available for comment.
