6 government ministers reportedly lined up to be removed from portfolios after budget is passed
Published November 14, 2024
BY IRWIN ANGIKI
Six government ministers are reportedly lined up to be removed from their portfolios, it is reported.
These ministers are targeted to be removed after parliament passes the budget, it is reported.
They are:
Manasseh Maelanga, minister of Infrastructure Development
Rexon Ramofafia, minister of National Planning and Development Coordination
Polycarp Paea, minister of Lands, Housing and Survey
Isikeli Vave Jnr, minister of Home Affairs
Rollen Seleso, minister of Rural Development
Choylin Douglas, minister of Culture and Tourism
Deputy prime minister Bradley Tovosia is reportedly behind the move to have these ministers removed from their portfolios, sources close to the matter told Island Sun this week on condition of anonymity.
Mr Tovosia did not respond to enquiries before the paper went to press last night (November 13, 2024).
The reasons purportedly behind the move to remove these ministers include – being vocal in cabinet over pressing issues on the nation’s economy, being vocal in cabinet over cabinet matters and against certain GNUT priorities, the recent revelations of mass tax exemptions, mediocre performance on portfolio.
Four of the ministers responded to Island Sun enquiries yesterday.
Minister Paea, who is accused of being vocal over issues pertaining the economy of the country, said he is aware of rumours circulating among ministers regarding such a move being planned.
“But, I’d say they are just rumours which I am yet to see happen. And, government is still rock solid,” Mr Paea said yesterday.
Minister Vave Jnr, who is reportedly being similarly accused, refuted the report as rumours orchestrated by the Opposition to try and destabilise government.
“This is a rumour which has been circulating for two weeks. But, it is not true,” Mr Vave Jnr said yesterday.
Minister Seleso, who is reportedly accused for ‘poor handling of the RSDP’ and being vocal on issues of GNUT interests in cabinet, said he is aware of the rumours.
However, he said it remains to be rumours and nothing of substance.
Minister Ramofafia, who is reportedly accused of being vocal on issues of certain interests in cabinet, also said he is aware of ‘rumours’ of pending sacking of ministers after the budget’s passing.
Additional information according to sources say Minister Ramofafia is in the list for the following reasons:
-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.
Additional information Island Sun received say the deputy prime minister is also trying to lure members of the Opposition in preparation to replace these ministers.
The deputy prime minister is orchestrating this move to convince the Prime Minister to take action straight after Parliament deliberates on the 2025 Budget, sources told Island Sun.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Prime Minister have been discussing this for the past two weeks, the sources said.
The prime minister is currently focusing on the budget being passed, and has not indicated whether he will act on the recommendation to remove his ministers, the sources said.
A spokesperson for the Opposition told Island Sun last night said they are not aware of Tovosia trying to lure its members.
Meanwhile, Parliament is set to resume 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.
