DPM Tovosia denies report of planned ministerial sackings, says GNUT is focused on implementing beneficial policies for the people’s wellbeing and has no time to waste on petty politics
Deputy Prime Minister Tovosia has denied media reports he is behind moves to sack six senior ministers, including the East Malaita Member of Parliament Manasseh Maelanga.
DPM Tovosia described as “busybodies” the unnamed sources quoted in the Island Sun newspaper article titled ‘Looming GNUT Sacks.’
Solomon Star was told in an unverified report that the planned sacking was forced on the government by the prevailing financial difficulties, which made it almost impossible to maintain the current 21-member ministerial line up.
“The sacking is intended to reduce cost in maintaining the current number of ministers, but given the current financial situation, there are very few choices. Of course, the government is fully aware such a move is suicidal politically, but what other choices are there?, Solomon Star was told.
According to insiders the nation’s financial difficulties are impacting on new MPs who took up ministerial responsibilities for the first time.
They pointed to a recent incident involving a government minister traveling to PNG. Customs allegedly found 2kg of processed gold in his checked-in luggage. The Minister’s mother had to be called in to retrieve the gold and take it back to his house in Honiara, despite protests from the Minister, according to eyewitnesses at the Henderson International Airport.
Others said what is happening is linked to an internal power struggle to change the leadership.
In a statement on Thursday, DPM Tovosia said “the “Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) remains united and unmoved amid these fabricated stories.
“… it is clear these rumours are spread by individuals hungry for power”.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised that the government is focused on implementing beneficial policies for the people’s wellbeing and has no time to waste on petty politics.
“… GNUT, he said, … comprised like-minded leaders dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives,” adding “the coalition is intact, and no one with ulterior motives can undo that unity.”
DPM Tovosia said political instability has been the cause of development stagnation in the country for far too long. Governments have been unable to implement their policies due to this instability.
“GNUT is determined and committed to providing stable leadership dedicated to creating transformational change in the country”.
DPM Tovosia urged the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) to monitor its members regarding their conduct.
He pointed out that the use of anonymous sources is being abused and brings disrepute to journalism as a profession.
He also called “on everyone to continue to pray for our nation as we all work towards uniting and transforming our country.”
- By Alfred Sasako
