PM TOLD TO STEP DOWN
By ANDREW FANASIA
PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare is expected to receive a petition from Civil Society Organisations (CSO) today, calling on him to step down within seven days.
The move came after Sogavare sacked another two of his ministers yesterday for their failure to support the Government’s move to switch the country’s relations from Taiwan to China.
Deputy Prime Minister John Maneniaru and Education minister John Dean Kuku got their marching orders yesterday.
Last week, senior ministers Rick Hou and Dr Dr Tautai Angikimua Kaitu’u were fired for similar reasons.
Police and National Security minister Lanelle Tanangada, who also refused to support the China switch, reportedly resigned yesterday.
CSO members met yesterday afternoon to prepare the petition, which they say will be delivered to Sogavare today.
Spokesman Kynes Ronia said they are doing this on behalf of the people of Solomon Islands.
He said members of CSOs, churches and concerned citizens teamed up to put the petition together.
“In essence the petition will call on Sogavare to step down within seven days,” Ronia said.
“CSOs felt Sogavare has failed the people and the nation through the decision that he and his government took on the China switch by not listening to the views of the people.
“This country must be saved from the leadership style Sogavare and his cohorts are currently displaying.”
