Sogavare announces parliamentary secretary posts while still hunting for other MPs to fill remaining seats

Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has announced the appointment of several MPs for the parliamentary secretaries posts.

Mr Sogavare has appointed Northwest Choiseul MP Clement Kengava as the Parliamentary Secretary for Education.

The MP for Gao Bogutu, Samuel Manetoali is the Parliamentary Secretary for downstream processing, whilst Southeast Vella La Vella MP Trevor Olavae takes on the Parliamentary Secretary position for the review of CEMA.

Mr Sogavare said he is still looking for MPs who can take up the remaining positions.

Meanwhile, Sogavare has dismissed rival claims that he established parliamentary secretary posts to entice Opposition MPs to join government.

Mr Sogavare said the aim of offering posts to parliamentarians is done for good reasons. He urge the opposition to leave politics aside from the process.

Last week Opposition spokesperson Edward Huni’ehu accused the Prime Minister of trying to weaken the opposition so that he remained in power. Huni’ehu said creating 10 parliamentary secretary positions is a ploy to lure opposition members.

But Mr Sogavare said as a democratically elected government, it can do whatever it can to advance its policies.

Source: SIBC