SPECIAL Secretary to Prime Minister (SSPM), Mr Rence Sore yesterday denied any row or arguments between himself, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the 39 earmarked Political Appointees under the Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG).
This was following reports reaching this paper that a row escalated within the PMO on over the weekend between Mr Sore and the 39 political appointees who were utterly frustrated and disappointed over SSPM and the DCCG’s move to downsize the number of political appointees in the government.
The names of the 39 were leaked through social media some weeks back sparking public concern about the big number of government appointments, their hefty wage packages (demands) which showed an increase compared to appointments given by former Prime Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo and the NCRA government.
Government sources informed this paper that some of the MP’s (Members of Parliament) who did not have their cronies given these appointments have also taken up the issue with the Prime Minister.
However the sources revealed that Mr Sore and the Prime Minister had agreed to downsize the number of political appointments, with the 39 expected to be reduced before official announcements of the appointees are made.
“There is already talks of a split in government, especially those who have people being appointed and those who do not.
“How can the DCCG work together when you cannot solve your own political wrangling? This would cause a possible crack within the DCCG camp,” the source said.
However when asked on the matter, Mr Sore said he was not aware of any row or arguments between himself, the PMO and the 39 political appointees.
“I am not aware of any arguments or row taking place either over the weekend or throughout this week.
“Nothing of such has happened here at the PMO,” Mr Sore said.
Sources close to the Prime Minister have also denied any reports of a crack or split within the DCCG, reaffirming that the government of the day remain rock solid and are fully behind Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare.
Two of the parties that make up the DCCG have also reaffirmed their support behind the Prime Minister and the DCCG. They are the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the People’s Alliance Party (PAP).
By JEREMY INIFIRI
