THE Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo has slammed the Motion of No-Confidence (MONC) scheduled to be tabled on Wednesday 30 October as one with ‘no concrete evidence.’
The non-executive group who filed the motion last week, accused the Premier of gross misuse of power and misappropriation of public funds.
Veo’s Alliance for Change, Alignment and Rural Economic Advancement (ACAREA) Government assumed office in January 2023 after the Western Provincial Assembly Election in December 2022.
Premier Veo stated that his executive team is focused on the upcoming provincial assembly meeting and is prepared to address any allegations filed against him.
He said there is “no concrete evidence” behind the claims made in the no-confidence motion.
The premier asserted that he has the support of 15 members, which he believes is enough to defeat the motion.
The Speaker of the Provincial Assembly, Ramrakha Aquila Talasasa confirmed that his office has received the notice of the motion last week.
He explained that the notice must allow for seven clear days, which will lapse on Tuesday 29 October and the motion will be deliberated upon on the next day.
Speaker Talasasa said the full assembly meeting will begin on Monday 28 October.
The first Motion of No-Confidence notice was submitted by MPA Calrick Runimetu after joining the non-executive group following his resignation as Finance Minister.
However, the Speaker rejected it as lacking insufficient grounds allowable for the tabling of a Motion of No-Confidence as required under Standing Order 107.
This second Motion of No-Confidence notice was approved after being submitted in accordance with Standing Order 107.
Further to accusing Premier Veo of gross misuse or neglect of power and misappropriation of public funds, the non-executive group also criticized the premier of having made unilateral decisions on key executive matters.
The non-executive group also accused Premier Veo of failing to address issues such as Gizo’s water crisis, poor road conditions and also failing to utilize investment opportunities that could benefit the province.
Premier Veo is the MPA for Ward 25 (Noro Town).
