The action kicks off...
PM SOGAVARE TOLD TO GO
Mon 12th November
Mon 12th November
SOLOMON Islands has plunged into a political crisis following the mass resignation of government ministers and backbenchers yesterday.Twelve members of the ruling government deserted Prime Minister Manasseh at the weekend and called for his immediate resignation.
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The Prime Minister's right hand man (accused paedophile Julian Moti from Fiji) is bricking it...
NEW GROUP PROMISES TO SEND MOTI TO AUST
Mon 12th November
ATTORNEY General Julian Moti will be repatriated to Australia as soon as a new government comes to power.As the political crisis escalate with more MPs resigning from the Government, the Opposition and defected Government supporters say Moti will be sent back to Australia as soon as they come to power.Mr Fono said Opposition has made its position clear that they will honour Australia’s request to have Moti repatriated. -
Corruption claims...
KOLI LURED WITH $440,000
Wed 14th November
AN Opposition MP claims he rejected $440,000 the Government offered him on the condition he joins them.MP for East Guadalcanal Johnson Koli said he turned down the offer because “it came at the wrong time”.
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And allegiance claims ("government MP's a crybaby, nah nah nah nah nah")...
NEW MP SWITCH CLAIMED
Mon 19th November
Mon 19th November
ANOTHER government minister approached the Opposition at the weekend and asked if he could come on board, the Opposition said.Indigenous Affairs minister Clement Kengava showed up at the Honiara Hotel on Saturday night, where the Opposition were staying, and pleaded if he could join camp.“His sudden appearance out of the blue took many of us by surprise,” one Opposition member said.Mr Kengava, a former Opposition MP who defected to the government to take up a ministerial post, is MP for Northwest Choiseul. Former Minister of Planning Steve Abana, a defector himself, confirmed that Mr Kengava showed up on Saturday night at the hotel.“He was in tears. He came in and asked if he could join the group,” Mr Abana said.“We told him that we remain firm and are committed to our mission,” Mr Abana said.
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GG and the PM go head-to-head ("GG Unmoved" read an earlier classic headline")...
GG, PM SHOWDOWN
Sat 24th November
Sat 24th November
GOVERNOR General Sir Nathaniel Waena announced on Friday that the Parliament must meet on December 13 in a bid to end the political tension between the Opposition and Government.However,immediately the Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, declared that he will be challenging Sir Nathaniel's decision in court citing non consultation with his government as the major problem.
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Government delaying, delaying, delaying...
Government ‘wants Parliament to meet on last day of year’
Monday 26th November
Monday 26th November
THE Opposition says Governor-General Sir Nathaniel Waena has told them the Sogavare Government wants Parliament to meet on the last day of the year, 31 December.Sir Nathaniel has instead called a meeting on 13 December to try to solve the political impasse, with the Government appearing in a minority.Opposition Leader Fred Fono said that the Government move was not justified.Sir Nathaniel told of the Government’s proposed date in his response to the Opposition’s request for him to call Parliament a week from today, 3 December.
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And it looks to have worked, with waetman MP Peter Boyes moving across to get the Minister of Finance position, and our friend Koli from earlier becoming Minister of Communication (it seems the time was now right!)...
PM NOW LOOKS SET
Thurs 29th November
THE Government regained their numbers and looks set to remain in power with 24 MPs in their camp last night.As lobbying continues, Sir Allan Kemakeza now holds the “balance of power”, with his loyalty crucial to both sidesSir Allan, a senior Opposition member, recently held talks with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare (on right in photo).The government claimed Sir Allan is now with them. But the Opposition still count him as their member too.Sir Allan, who is facing jail, recently told the Solomon Star he is neutral pending the outcome of his court case.He was recently found guilty of ordering an attack on law firm Sol-Law in 2001 when he was prime minister.He will be sentenced Monday.The Government regained its strength following the defection of two Opposition MPs, one Monday and one yesterday.Peter Boyers, who defected on Monday, is now the new finance minister.East Guadalcanal MP Johnson Koli (left in photo) who had earlier rejected a $400,000 government offer in return for switching sides, joined the government yesterday.He is now the new minister for Communications and Aviation.Mr Koli could not be reached for comments last night.-
And then finally today...
BRIBERY CLAIM
Fri 30th November
East Guadalcanal MP Johnson Koli was believed to have defected after the government promised him a portable Lucas sawmill. But the sawmill is now a subject of controversy after Norht New Georgia MP JOB Dudley Tuasinga revealed yesterday the milling machine was already allocated to him. Explaining his move back to the government Mr Koli told the Solomon Star that there were two reasons why he rejoined the government. "First it was for the sake of my constituents and secondly I want to tap into the priveleges that are made available to government backbenchers". And what of that $400,000? "I did not accept the offer at the time of the lobbying but now that I am with the government I will go for it" Mr Koli said.
I have a funny feeling this story isn't over yet, so listen out for more. This is your resident political correspondent signing off from the Hapi Isles. Good night.
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