• ‘Armed Group’ claims 23 Ministers and 5 backbenchers ready to desert PM Sogavare
• Our Party: DCGA is rock solid with 39 MPs’
AS public reactions begin to filter through on reports an armed group is allegedly plotting to overthrow Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s government, the group has released a list of ministers and backbenchers they said is ready to jump ship.
Solomon Star has obtained a copy of the list, which names 23 Ministers and five backbencher MPs.
Public reactions on the armed plot have been mixed.
“Yes, I think he should go. Mr. Sogavare has run out of ideas to run a government that delivers on its promises,” one former MP told Solomon Star, Friday.
“The man has run out of ideas. It’s no point keeping him in the post as Prime Minister of Solomon Islands,” one other former MP said.
But the choice of who would replace him is still a concern by some.
“That is the question – who will replace Mr. Sogavare,” a government employee said.
A member of the public from Malaita Province said Malaitan causes should never be used to advance motives by selfish individuals.
“People should keep away from taking part in such activities which only bring further disruptions and hardships to people. There are already far too many issues to deal with,” the individual said.
Sources have revealed that the armed group allegedly plotting to overthrow the government has drawn up a list of ministers and backbencher MPs reportedly ready to walk out from the Sogavare-led government.
The list has 28 names. It consists of 23 Ministers and five backbencher MPs. The list was put together last month, according to the sources. It consists of:
- Rollen Seleso – Minister for Provincial Government
- Rexon Ramofafia – Minister Development Planning & Aid Coordination
- Makario Tagini – Minister for Public Service
- Frederick Kologeto – Minister for Commerce, Industries Immigration & Labour
- Clezy Rore – Minister for Justice & Legal Affairs
- Dr Culwick Togamana – Minister for Health & Medical Services
- Jeremiah Manele – Minister for Foreign Affairs & External Trade
- Dudley Kopu – Minister for Rural Development
- Bartholomew Parapolo – Minister for Culture & Tourism
- Ishmael Avui – Minister for Lands, Housing & Survey
- Anthony Veke – Minister for Police & National Security
- Nesto Ghiro – Minister for Fisheries & Marine Resources
- Senley Levi Filualea – Minister for Agriculture & Livestock
- Manasseh Maelanga – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure Development;
- Christopher Laore – Minister for Home Affairs
- Harry Kuma – Minister for Finance & Treasury
- Dickson Panakitasi Mua – Minister for Forestry & Research
- Lanelle Olandrea Tanagada – Minister for Education & Human Resources Development;
- Peter Shanel Agovaka – Minister for Communication & Aviation
- Freda Rotutafi Tuki Rangirei – Minister for Women, Youth, Children & Family Affairs
- Samuel Manetoali – Minister for Indigenous governance & Ecclesiastes
- Bradley Tovosia – Minister for Mines, Energy & Rural Electrification
- Titus Fiika – Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management & Meteorology
The Backbencher MPs’ named in the list are:
- Dr Tautai Agikimua Kaitu’u
- Commins Mewa
- Silas Vagara Tausinga
- Lily Maefai
- Chacha Bule Amoi
Solomon Star was unable to speak to government ministers on the report.
But the Deputy Wing Leader of OUR Party and Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Bradley Tovosia, has dismissed the report, saying the government is not worried about the plan to overthrow the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA).
“I think our members, who number about 38, 39 are fairly intact. You can put that on my name,” the Minister said.
Meanwhile, Solomon Star asked sources linked to the group about why it publicised its intention well before the alleged plot is executed.
“The group wants to test public opinion. Their next move will be determined by the reactions from the public,” one source said.
In other development, individuals allegedly linked to the group are reportedly asking people to sign up on a list, being prepared for potential employment on new development projects on Malaita.
“If your name is on the list, you will be on the priority list for employment on any new development projects on Malaita,” the source said.
By ALFRED SASAKO
Newsroom, Honiara
