Sogavare looking to replace ministers who resigned

Transcript

A spokesperson for the Solomon Islands Prime Minister's office says the government ministers who have resigned will be replaced as soon as possible.

Deli Oso has confirmed seven government ministers handed in their resignation letters, citing issues with Manasseh Sogavare's leadership style.

They are the Deputy Prime Minister Douglas Ete, Dr Derek Sikua, Ishmael Avui, Bodo Dettke, Commins Mewa, Augustine Auga and Andrew Manepora'a.

Ms Oso says reports six government backbenchers have also resigned are incorrect.

She told Mary Baines Mr Sogavare is not concerned about a potential motion of no confidence against him.

Earlier reports that a number of Parliamentary Opposition Group MPs have joined the government have been dismissed by Opposition sources.

DELI OSO: Seven government MPs have resigned from the Democratic Coalition for Change government led by prime minister Manasseh Sogavare. And they've tended their resignation to the governor general. Six of them handed their resignation to the governor general yesterday (Wednesday), whilst the former deputy prime minister resigned on Sunday night and he did tender his resignation to the governor general.

MARY BAINES: What do we know about why they resigned?

DO: The former deputy prime minister on his resignation insinuated that prime minister Manasseh Sogavare used wrong funds to buy a $1.5 million property in Honiara. That's why he decided to leave. But then after the prime minister clarified the payment of the properties in parliament, saying he obtained a loan from ANZ, he changed the reason for his departure saying it was the leadership style of prime minister Sogavare that forced him to leave the government.

MB: And those other six ministers, similar reasons?

DO: I haven't seen copies of their resignation letters but I believe they might have just taken the same reason that the former deputy prime minister has given for his resignation.

MB: What do they mean by having issues with Sogavare's leadership style?

DO: That is what they should justify. Because at the moment we see no problem with the leadership style of the prime minister.

MB: And there are I understand a number of backbenchers who have also resigned.

DO: No, that is not right. At the moment there is only seven MPs who resigned. We haven't received any reports of the resignation of government backbenchers.

MB: Ok. So what is the prime minister saying about this? Is he concerned?

DO: At the moment he is yet to release a statement on the resignation of his ministers, but he is expected to make some appointments as soon as possible. But the prime minister is expected to adjourn parliament until next week, just to address the political upheaval that is here before him.

MB: So is he concerned about a motion of no confidence against him?

DO: He is not at all concerned. Because there is nothing there, he thinks he is a clean man, and there is nothing there they should have taken against him.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare Photo: RNZI