Political standoff in New Ireland: Byron Chan locked out of assembly

A tense political standoff unfolded today as New Ireland Governor Byron Chan was physically barred from entering the Provincial Assembly, despite official directives confirming his authority.

The confrontation comes in the wake of instructions from the Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs [DPLGA], Soroi Eoe, which purportedly recognized Chan’s standing. However, these directives were ignored by security and opposing officials on the ground.

Provincial Administrator Richard Andia was also initially denied entry. After nearly an hour of heated exchanges at the gates, Andia was eventually permitted to enter the building.

Meanwhile, Namatanai MP Walter Schnaubelt remains defiant. Maintaining his claim as the legitimate provincial leader, Schnaubelt refused to step aside, arguing that the correspondence from the DPLGA was not formally addressed to him and therefore holds no weight over his current position.

The situation reached a temporary stalemate this afternoon. NBC News has confirmed that both Chan and Schnaubelt are currently locked in a private, closed-door meeting to negotiate a resolution.

All government staff and members of the press have been strictly barred from the meeting room. The province remains on edge as the public awaits the outcome of these high-stakes discussions.