A NORTH Malaita public transport operator has called on premier Peter Ramohia to step down if he cannot lead the province.
Elton Osiagalo made the call after Mr Ramohia announced last week during the province’s second appointed day celebration, their intention to pursue a sovereign state.
“The announcement is nothing short of breaking this nation apart,” Mr Osiagalo said.
“When the world is embracing unity and togetherness, Mr Ramohia and members of the Malaita Provincial Assembly are heading in the opposite direction,” he added.
“Do you think pursuing a sovereign state will solve Malaita’s development woes?
“Not one bit. Rather, it will only lead Malaita into the gutter.
“As a nation, the provinces need each other, not the other way round.
“If the premier wanted to address Malaita’s development and economic problems, it must first look within and address its current problems.
“First things first – improve the road conditions in the province, resolve the Gwaunaru’u Airfield dispute, and attend to existing infrastructures that are in their state of disrepair.
“If the premier and his current assembly members can do that, then they can start thinking about independence.
“But now, they should stop dreaming because they have nothing to show for in terms of economic development in the province.
“This is why I call on the premier to step down if he has nothing to offer to the province in terms of development,” Mr Osiagalo said.
He also urged the premier to be decisive and take the lead than allowing himself to be pulled by the nose.
“I know this idea of sovereignty and independence is not the premier’s. It’s someone else’s idea. That someone is also a member of Mr Ramohia’s executive.
“It may be this person who is calling the shots in the provincial executive.
“Mr Ramohia must not allow himself to be pulled by the nose. He is the premier so he should show leadership,” Mr Osiagalo said.
Meanwhile, he urged the provincial and national governments to tar-seal the network of roads around Malaita.
“The north, east and south roads in Malaita are the life-line of the province when it comes to economic activities.
“Tar-seal the roads and you’ll give Malaita the economic life-line it needs.
“At the moment, economic development in the province is being stalled due to the terrible conditions of the roads,” Mr Osiagalo said.