Internal Affairs Minister Andrew Napuat has denied allegations that he directed or influenced the deployment of Police officers to the Port Vila City Council Chambers on Thursday, 21 May 2026.

In a statement released last week, Minister Napuat said recent claims circulating on social media and in some reports were misleading and inaccurate.

He clarified that the ongoing dispute involving the Port Vila City Council remains before the courts and is currently under appeal.

“The Government, through the Office of the Attorney General, is following the proper course of justice to ensure that the matter is resolved lawfully and conclusively by the Court of Appeal,” he stated.

Minister Napuat stressed that he fully respects the judicial process and confirmed that he has not issued any instructions regarding Police deployment at the Council chambers.

According to the Minister, he was informed that the Acting Clerk of the Council and his administration independently requested Police assistance due to pressure and reported threats linked to internal disputes within the Council.

He said Police responding to such requests falls within their lawful duties to maintain safety and public order.

Minister Napuat also noted that an existing court judgment currently restricts his involvement in the affairs of the Port Vila City Council while the appeal process continues.

“I am fully complying with that judgment and will not interfere in the affairs of the Council until the appellate process has been completed,” he said.

The Minister called on the public and media to avoid spreading misinformation and urged people to seek clarification from the appropriate authorities.

Meanwhile, the legal dispute surrounding the Port Vila City Council continues in court.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court issued an interim order temporarily suspending an earlier judgment which ruled that the suspension of the Port Vila City Council was unlawful.

Judge Josaia Naigulevu made the interim order following an application by Minister Napuat seeking to stay the enforcement of the judgment.

The order will remain in effect until 25 May, when the Court is expected to decide on the application.

At the same time, the appeal against the earlier ruling has officially been listed before the Court of Appeal.

Chief Registrar Joel Shemi has issued notices to Minister Napuat and the councillors involved, confirming that Appeal Court Judge Maree Mackenzie will conduct a conference review on 28 May.