Sikua loses top man from his government's helm

Newly appointed special secretary to the Prime Minister (SSPM) Bob Pollard has declined to take up the offer.

It is undertsood that Mr Pollard had already expressed his regret to prime minister Dr Derek Sikua of his decision not to take up the job.

Solomon Star reports that the government allocates the SSPM's position to the Democratic Party, which Mr Pollard is a member. The position is currently occupied by Matthew Wale, who is also a member of the party.

However, Mr Wale will be contesting the Aoke/Langalanga seat and sees Mr Pollard as the long term replacement.

Former President of the Democratic Party and acting Attorney General Gabriel Suri confirmed Mr Pollard's decline.

"I knew he declined the offer which was allocated to our party," he said.

Mr Suri had resigned as the president of the party as he is now a public officer. Reports revealed that the party had a series of discussions to find Mr Pollard's replacement.

It's understood that most of the party's members are businessmen or employees with other companies which may make it difficult for them to find a suitable replacement.

Mr Pollard runs a private consultancy firm. It is not clear whether Mr Pollard declined the appointment on committment to his business or some other grounds.

Source: Solomon Star