PM to adjourn parliament, Thursday
PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare will adjourn parliament this morning in a move likely to prolong the current political upheaval.
Parliament confirmed in its order paper that the only business for today is the asking and answering of question.
After that, Mr Sogavare will adjourn parliament to December 3.
The move comes as seven of Mr Sogavare’s ministers resigned their portfolios yesterday, and only five days into the current session.
Government House’s private secretary Nigel Maezama confirmed his office received seven letters of resignation by Wednesday.
Resigned are:
Minister of Education and Human Resources Dr Derek Sikua
Deputy Prime Minister Douglas Ete
Minister of Culture and Tourism Bodo Detke
Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Augustine Auga
Minister of Lands, Housing and Survey Andrew Manepora’a
Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Service Commins Mewa
Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs Ishmael Avui.
Mr Sogavare also lost the support of six of his backbenchers.
They include East Makira MP Alfred Ghiro, Central Makira MP Nester Ghiro, South Guadalcanal MP Moses Garu, East Guadalcanal MP Bradley Tovosia, Aoke-Langalanga MP Mathew Wale, and Savo Russell MP Dickson Mua.
A spokesman for the group that deserted the prime minister said they will be calling on Mr Sogavare to step down or face a no confidence vote.
Asked about the resignations, Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Deli Oso, said the government is yet to receive confirmation from the Government House.
She said once they receive the confirmation the Prime Minister will proceed to appoint new ministers to replace them.
Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Opposition Group has denied claims six of their members have joined the government.
In a statement, the Parliamentary Opposition says the Group remains solid and intact amidst the political developments within the government.
“Claims that six members of our group have switched side are fabricated and misleading. The Parliamentary Opposition remains as a Group and is closely monitoring the situation,” it said.
The Opposition also urged the Prime Minister’s Office not to play cheap political propaganda by spreading false statements.
By CHARLES KADAMANA
