Chan confirmed as legitimate governor of New Ireland
After weeks of political uncertainty and leadership disputes, Byron Chan has been officially recognized as the legitimate Provincial Member and Governor of New Ireland Province.
The breakthrough came following official clarification from the Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs [DPLG] and the Ombudsman Commission, effectively ending the standoff over the province's top political office.
Speaking at his first news conference since being sworn in, Chan confirmed that as of February 23, 2026, he is the recognized head of the province under Section 17 of the Organic Law.
"The Ombudsman and the Minister for Local Level Government Affairs have brushed [the confusion] aside now, giving clear clarification that there is no more vacancy in the Office of the Governor," Chan said. "I have been duly elected and have fulfilled that vacancy."
Minister for DPLG, Soroi Eoe, issued five specific directives to the Provincial Administration to ensure a smooth transition of power. Provincial Administrator Richard Andia confirmed he is legally bound to implement these orders immediately to avoid being liquidated [terminated] from his position.
The 5 Key Directives Include:
Immediate Swearing-In: The Provincial Administrator and Assembly Clerk must conduct an official ceremony at the New Ireland Provincial Assembly.
Official Handover: A formal handover-takeover process must occur immediately following the swearing-in.
Cessation of Previous Orders: The administration will no longer recognize directives from Walter Schnaubelt effective as of Tuesday, February 24.
Compliance Reporting: A full report of the transition must be submitted to the Minister’s office by March 10, 2026.
Administrative Support: Total alignment of the provincial bureaucracy with Governor Chan’s leadership.
With the 2027 National General Elections on the horizon, Chan urged the people of New Ireland to move past the leadership struggle.
"That is very good news for the people of New Ireland… that now we have no more issues on the matter of the Chair of the Governor," he concluded, calling for a collective focus on provincial development for the remaining months of the term.
Meanwhile, attempts to speak to Walter Schnaubelt on the latest instructions from Minister Eoe were unsuccessful. Schnaubelt has earlier maintained that he is still the governor and will only be removed by a vote in the Provincial Assembly.