BY MORRIS NAFU
The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) has voiced unwavering support for Bradley Tovosia, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), who is stepping in as Acting Prime Minister while both the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister are away.
The Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat confirmed this in an official press statement yesterday.
The statement clarified that the Governor-General makes such appointments on the Prime Minister’s recommendation, in line with Section 38(1) of the Constitution.
“In this case, Honourable Bradley Tovosia, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, will serve as Acting Prime Minister,” the statement said.
GNUT emphasized its complete faith in Tovosia’s ability to lead until the Governor-General decides otherwise.
The government also pointed out that neither the Constitution nor the Cabinet Handbook stipulates the Acting Prime Minister must hold the portfolios of Finance and Treasury or National Planning and Coordination.
Meanwhile in a statement released by the Office of the Leader of Opposition in Parliament the leader of Opposition Matthew Wale has questioned why the Minister of Fisheries & Marine Resources has assumed the role of acting Prime Minister.
The Opposition Office understands that both the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister are out of the country.
According to the Cabinet handbook and protocols, in the absence of both the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister, the Finance Minister should be acting Prime Minister and in his absence the Planning Minister should be next in line.
“The first issue is why both the PM and DPM are out of the country at the same time. Surely, they can coordinate their overseas travel to ensure one of them is always in the country when the other is out,” he said.
The Opposition Leader said secondly there is a mistrust relating to the PM’s trust in the protocol set in the Cabinet handbook.
“Perhaps, more to the point is the lack of trust the PM clearly has in his Minister of Finance and Minister for Planning as the two next in line to assume the responsibility,” he said.
In response, GNUT urges the Leader of the Official Opposition to carry out his duties with honesty and integrity, while recognizing the Opposition’s vital role as a potential alternative administration.
GNUT further invites the Opposition Leader to pursue legal avenues if he chooses, affirming his right to challenge the matter in court.
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