The former Northern Marianas Governor, Benigno Fitial, wants to return to the territory from the Philippines to face the criminal charges filed against him.
In a declaration filed with the Superior Court, the 68-year-old Mr Fitial says he has no desire to become a fugitive and no longer see family and friends.
Mr Fitial says he issued his declaration to show that extreme and extenuating circumstances have prevented his earlier return.
His lawyer had attached the affidavit in support of Mr Fitial's motion asking the Superior Court to quash an arrest warrant issued against him.
He also asked the Court to schedule an initial appearance hearing for his voluntary appearance.
In March last year the Office of the Public Auditor filed seven criminal charges against Mr Fitial for his alleged role in shielding the former attorney general Edward Buckingham from being served with a penal summons in August the previous year.
