Former-Western Provincial leaders facing corruption related charges were mentioned in the Magistrates Court last Friday.
Former premier Clement Base, his adviser Joseph Douglas and former finance minister Alfred Kaehuna are facing one count each of official corruption.
Base is also facing 34 counts of conversion and false pretences and two counts of demanding property with menaces.
Douglas is facing nine counts of conversion.
Trial dates has been fixed from the April 5 – 18.
The three did not attend court last Friday because the appearance was just for an interim mention and the attendances of the three accused were excused.
However they are required to appear on March 5 for the last interim mention date before their trial commences.
Principal Magistrate Steve Wilson questioned the application of permanent stay of proceedings submitted to the High Court by their lawyers.
Mr Wilson said the matter has been listed for a month which is quiet long.
“Something should be done sooner so that the case can be dealt with.
“This involves everyone’s interest including the Prosecution and Defense Counsel,” he said.
He said there is a need of attention to get the matter dealt with at the High Court.
Duty Prosecutor Natalie Kesaka said she is only acting on instructions from her colleague Ricky Iomea but said she will convey the message to him.
Principal Magistrate Steve Wilson adjourned the matter and granted the extension application for the accused.
Maelyn Bird from the Crystal Lawyers is representing Mr Kaehuna while Private Lawyer Philip Tegavota represents Base and Douglas.
Both lawyers failed to present in court last Friday.
By ASSUMPTA PIVA
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