WESTERN Province provincial members are putting the interest of their people first during the election of their new premier this week.
Provincial member Eddie Ngava, who contested against the newly elected premier Billy Veo, revealed this during a press conference at Gizo Hotel yesterday 9th January 2023.
According to Mr Ngava Members of Provincial Assembly camping at Gizo Hotel joined Members of Provincial Assembly camping at Naqua to vote for Mr Veo.
The result is Mr Veo winning by 25 votes and Mr Ngava one vote.
Mr Ngava said this happened to fulfill the two third absolute majority votes.
However, he clarified that although his camp (Gizo Hotel camp) which he is also the chairman supported Mr Veo in the premier’s election, it did not mean that they have switched sides to join MPAs at Naqua camp.
“Our number remains at 13 although we have voted for the new premier.
“Our team is rock solid…we are now working on a policy blueprint which is our flagship in moving forward,” Mr Ngava said.
MPA for Southeast Vella and deputy chairman Gizo Hotel camp Rence Sore added that as responsible leaders they went with everyone to elect a new Speaker and did the same for the election of the new premier.
“Our fear is that if the outcome of the election remains the same as in Friday’s election result, then the assembly will dissolve and Western Provinces will suffer the consequences,” Mr Sore said.
“Hope that the public see the ramification and rationale of every action and decision because we are leaders,’’ Sore said.
“The Speaker is 23 to 1 votes and Premier is 25 to 1 votes, this clearly shows that our heart, the core, is in the heart of the people of Western Province,” Mr Sore said.
He said today the ball is now inside the Naqua camp’s court as they work to form the new executive.
“We are willing to stand aside to help the government and focus on other areas,
“We will provide an effective watchdog for the government,” Mr Sore said.
Mr Ngava, Mr Sore and six other MPAs inside the Gizo Hotel camp called for the press conference after some members of the public questioned why Gizo Hotel camp number is higher than the number at Naqua camp which won the premier’s seat.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gina