Published November 15, 2024

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Deputy Prime Minister Bradley Tovosia has lashed out at Island Sun’s Thursday (Nov 14, 2024) front-page report with a flurry of adjectives.

Island Sun on Nov 14 published a report titled ‘Looming GNUT sacks’ on an ongoing rumour unsettling government ministers in which six were reportedly lined up to be sacked in a move instigated by Mr Tovosia.

Four of the ministers in the list spoke to Island Sun, three of whom confirmed how this was cause for unease for them as government ministers although they were reassured by the deputy prime minister that it was not true.

Tovosia had not responded to Island Sun enquiry for comment in the making of its report.

Nov 14, a statement from the prime minister’s press secretariat said Tovosia labelled the unnamed sources quoted in Island Sun’s report as ‘busybodies’.

The Deputy Prime Minister challenged the unnamed sources to reveal their true identities to give credibility to their claims; otherwise, he argued, anonymous sources are as fake as their statements, the statement said.

The statement went on to say:

“Tovosia said the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) remains united and unmoved amid these fabricated stories.

“He added that 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 well-being and has no time to waste on petty politics.

“Tovosia noted that those fabricating these rumours have no interest in developing the country; all they seek is power. What a shame! he remarked.

“The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised that GNUT is comprised of like-minded leaders dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives. He added that the coalition is intact, and no one with ulterior motives can undo that unity.

“Tovosia also highlighted that 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.

“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.

“The Deputy Prime Minister also calls on everyone to continue to pray for our nation as we all work towards uniting and transforming our country.”

Island Sun had reported on a tip-off by sources in government close to the matter who had requested anonymity.

The sources said Tovosia was behind a move to have six government ministers removed from their portfolios for being vocal in cabinet on issues of interest to the GNUT government. Other reasons cited by sources included mediocre performance in portfolio.

Four of the six ministers in the purported list agreed to speak to Island Sun, confirming there was indeed ongoing rumours flying between government ministers of pending sackings after parliament passes the budget.

While one was adamant that it was just rumours, three others shared they have been kept on edge despite receiving reassurance from Tovosia that the rumours were not true.

Hon Rexon Ramofafia, one of the six, was reportedly in the list because of:

-Being very vocal in Caucus and Cabinet in relation to tax exemption given by GNUT or finance minister

-For calling on cabinet or govt to cancel exemptions

-When acting as Finance Minister, instructed the comptroller of customs to stop unloading of international cargos at Saferenrece wharf

-Socialising pressure for sacking of the deputy prime minister and finance minister.

Meanwhile, Parliament resumes today (Friday, Nov 15, 2024) to deliberate on the 2025 budget.

The session resumed on Monday (Nov 4, 2024) last week but was adjourned following a Special Adjournment Motion successfully moved by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.

The adjournment was to allow time for the Public Accounts Committee to look through the budget ahead of parliament deliberation.