Female PS reassigned under controversial circumstances
A PROMINENT permanent secretary has been reassigned to another government ministry under highly controversial circumstances.
Ethel Sigimanu is now the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs after she was removed from the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA).
“….yes, I was reassigned by the Public Service Commission to work at the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs on June 9th,” Mrs Sigimanu confirmed with the Solomon Star yesterday.
She replaces Freddy Mesa, whose contract was terminated on medical grounds this year.
Mrs Sigimanu said:
“I have many things to sort out with the MWYCFA.
“By next week, I’ll settle down and concentrate on work.”
Asked about the reasons for her re-assignment, Mrs Sigimanu said she prefers to keep it off record.
“For that I don’t know and can’t say more seeing it is baseless.
“I feel like I am a scapegoat.
“Therefore, the least I can say is there is mere personal conflict of interest with the head of MWYCFA.”
She said it is a personal issue which she will keep it low at this point of time.
“I don’t want to make comment on the primary reasons for my shift to the other ministry.
“But I assure you that it is very personal which comes only from the minister herself.
“However, I am also grateful to come out of a toxic working environment.”
Comments are being sought from Minister of MWYCFA Freda Tuki Soriocomua, the only female MP in the current House.
Insiders said Mrs Sigimanu and Mrs Soriocomua have not been in good working terms for sometimes.
The vacancy left behind by Mrs Sigimanu is now being advertised.
By TEDDY KAFO
