Fono says Sogavare had offered him the Solomons Deputy PM post but he refused to accept it

The Solomon Islands opposition leader, Fred Fono, says he has been offered the position of Deputy Prime Minister by the Sogavare government which is trying to gain a two thirds majority.

Mr Fono says he has turned down various offers of ministerial positions since Sogavare’s Social Credit Party took power and he is now calling on opposition members to see beyond their political ambitions as the government steps up its campaign to lure members over to the ruling coalition.

The call comes as one MP from the Solomon Islands Peoples Alliance Party is reported to be joining the government’s coalition.

Mr Fono says as a believer in good governance, he was not tempted to join the Social Credit Party.

“Right from day one they’ve been trying to lobby me. I remain firm as a man of principle to look at how best the governance of this nation is. I remain firm on principles of good governance, transparency and accountability.”

Source: RNZI