Premier Manetiva executives plan to boycott
A Motion of No Confidence against Central Islands Premier Stanley Manetiva will proceed today despite plans by his executive to boycott the meeting.
Initially, the Motion was confirmed for 13th June but the Non-Executive reportedly with an absolute majority of eight has called for the Assembly to convene today.
This has prompted Premier Manetiva and his executives to boycott the meeting citing the speaker never consulted him about today’s meeting.
Premier Manetiva said the only meeting which he was consulted on is set for 13th, June. On that date they can clear the air on the floor over allegations levelled against him.
“If the meeting goes ahead today, how can we clear the air since we were not consulted,” Premier Manetiva said.
However Provincial Speaker said notices have been issued through various medium, the social media, posters, phone and email.
The Speaker said the Assembly meeting was re-rescheduled for today in accordance with the Provincial government’s Standing Order 58.
It states that “The Speaker shall call for a meeting if an absolute majority of members present letter to the Speaker signed by each member call for a meeting on the date stated in the letter. The letter shall state the reason and business to discuss at the meeting.
He said this Standing Order supersedes the Notice of No Confidence accepted by the office of the speaker on 30th May,2022.
The motion was filed by MPA for North West Ngella Polycarp Galaigu alleging the premier’s dealings on logging.
Premier Manetiva said these allegations are petty allegations which he should have given the opportunity to clear the air on the floor of the Assembly. He was planning to do that on 13th, June and not today.
He said the priority of the Non-Executive is to form a new government and not the budget.
Premier Manetiva said should the Opposition take over the government, they would not contribute to the debate on the budget when it comes to scrutinizing it. As such, they will not go anywhere, he said.
“For this purpose, he calls on the Minister of the Provincial Government to dissolve the house to avoid political interference.
Once the motion goes through, nomination will be be open for those wanting to contest the Premier’s post.
As of yesterday, the Provincial Executive under the leadership of Manetiva had five while the Non-Executive had eight. Lobbying is expected to intensify overnight.
The Provincial executive consist of Premier Manetiva, Celestine Pasalu, Edger Tarai, David Maetiva and Stanley Palumala.
The Non-Executive members are Kevin Liu, Humphrey Salopuka, Jay Rotaua, James Kaka, Kenneth Sagupari, John Kara, James Galiui and Polycarp Galaigu.
BY CHARLES KADAMANA
News Room
