GNUT leads with 3 welcomed from Opposition group – Theislandsun

GNUT leads with 3 welcomed from Opposition group – Theislandsun

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The Government for National Unity & Transformation (GNUT) has rebounded in the numbers game, boasting 26 MPs against Opposition’s 23 as of last night [Saturday, May 3].

GNUT swore in three new ministers within 14 hours, starting with the new Minister for Rural Development Daniel Waneoroa Friday night. By lunchtime yesterday GNUT had two new other ministers.

MP for West Makira Derrick Manu’ari was sworn in as Minister for Mines, Energy & Rural Electrification while MP for Central Kwara’ae Ricky Fuo’o became Minister for Infrastructure Development.

All three came over from Opposition side.

Insiders told Island Sun last night that GNUT government is expecting more MPs from the Opposition side to switch over today.

The group is reportedly camped at the new hotel behind the Rove Outback.

The Opposition group are reportedly also lobbying. Attempts to get comments from some key MPs in the group yesterday were unsuccessful as they declined to comment.

However, one insider in the group said “In Solomon Islands politics Tuesday is a very long time away. Nothing is final until the MP lets go of the ballot paper into the ballot box in parliament.”

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele is facing a motion of no-confidence put on notice by Central Honiara MP Gordon Darcy Lilo on Monday this week.

The motion is set to be tabled in parliament Tuesday next week.

A group of 10 MPs led by Manasseh Sogavare broke ranks from the GNUT government on Monday, citing disagreements with PM Manele’s leadership and that of his deputy, Bradley Tovosia.

Mr Tovosia later that day resigned from the portfolios of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mines and Energy. He remains a back-bencher of GNUT.

The events early this weekend turned the tide on the number game which was abruptly set on Monday, April 28, leaving GNUT with only 23 MPs.

Opposition strolled into parliament on Tuesday morning boasting a majority of 26 MPs.

Opposition leader Matthew Wale took a jibe at Prime Minister Manele that morning suggesting he stepped down since did not command the majority of the house.

PM Manele refused and moved the special adjournment for Tuesday, May 6 for the motion to be tabled then. Significantly, the Opposition group with their newfound majority did not object.

Ministers Fuo’o and Waneoroa are serving their first terms as members of parliament, while Minister Manu’ari is serving his third.

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