PMO dismisses claims Lilo was rejected
PRIME Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo was reportedly rejected during his trip to attend the funeral service of the Christian Fellowship Church (CFC) spiritual leader last week.
A report from Munda told the Solomon Star Gordon Darcy Lilo was turned back at the Ramata airstrip in North New Georgia.
“The Prime Minister landed there, but he was unwelcomed to the funeral of the spiritual leader.
“He was therefore taken back to Munda where he spent a night before flying back to Honiara to meet the Australian Justice Minister who visited the country last week.”
When contacted to comment on the claim, the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet rejected the claim.
“The Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo was not rejected attendance to the funeral of His Grace Reverend Sir Ikan Rove last week.”
Press Secretary to Prime Minister Douglas Marau said, Mr Lilo had to return back to Honiara to attend an important meeting with the visiting Australian Minister the following day.
“The Prime Minister asked the MP for South New Georgia, Rendova and Tetepare Danny Philip to represent him during the funeral which the MP accepted.”
Mr Marau said due to some slight changes to the program, the Prime Minister was asked to return to Munda whilst they organized arrangements of Sir Ikan’s funeral.
“The Prime Minister was asked to return the next day but he was unable to because of prior commitment to meet with Australian Minister of Justice in Honiara on the same day,” Mr Marau said.
The Spiritual and influential leader of the Christian Fellowship Church (CFC) Sir Ikan Rove has passed away at his home village in New Georgia, Western Province.
Late Sir Rove is son of the founder of CFC church Silas Eto who died in 1984 and was succeeded by late Sir Rove.
By EDNAL PALMER
