The board of Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) welcomed the decision of the National Court in relation to the cases submitted earlier in the month by suspended KPHL Managing Director, Mr Wapu Sonk.
The National Court’s decision effectively confirms the legal standing of the KPHL Board led by Chairman Gerea Aopi, who was appointed by Prime Minister James Marape as sole trustee on behalf of the State; the Board’s suspension of Managing Director Wapu Sonk; and its appointment of Luke Liria as Acting Managing Director.
“The Board is pleased with the ruling, and the judgement’s comprehensive analysis and consideration of all the actions taken by various interested parties over the last few months subsequent to the issue of the appointment instrument. This demonstrates the integrity of our civil democratic processes," Chairman Gerea Aopi said.
The court judgement related to a request for a judicial review of the instrument appointing a chairman and directors of KPHL, made by Prime Minister James Marape as the trustee of the company on 10 June 2025, and subsequent court actions since that time.
The ruling noted: “The application for leave for judicial review is dismissed as an abuse of court process.”
Aopi said that tthe board of KPHL is now free to pursue its role in overseeing the activities of this important industry entity, and in doing so "will hopefully restore public trust in its operations and its vision" to create value and opportunity from the nation’s petroleum resources for Papua New Guinea and its people.
"Whatever public perceptions or opinions may be, the KPHL Board has always abided by the rule of law — a practice we intend to continue in the coming years of our tenure — to always act in the best interests of KPHL,” said Chairman Aopi.
“Going forward, the Board intends to follow normal good governance practices and ensure accountability for all KPHL’s actions and activities, including any changes that may be necessary in company management. This is particularly important at this present time in the lead-up to the long-awaited announcement of the Final Investment Decision for the Papua LNG Project by TotalEnergies,” Aopi said..
