But the letter has never reached Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo or the Government House.
It was instead kept in the possession of Opposition leader Dr Derek Sikua, who was with Mr Manetoali in Brisbane this week.
A government insider told the Solomon Star last night Mr Manetoali later wrote a letter yesterday revoking his resignation which Mr Lilo received.
The insider claimed Mr Manetoali wrote his resignation letter after discussions he had with Dr Sikua.
“Dr Sikua promised Mr Manetoali he will be given the post of deputy prime minister if the Lilo government falls,” the insider said.
“This was what prompted him to write the resignation letter. But the letter was still kept by Dr Sikua.”
When contacted in Brisbane last night, Mr Manetoali said these were just speculations.
“There’s no such thing like that. I am with the prime minister here in Brisbane and I am still with NCRA,” Mr Manetoali said.
Dr Sikua could not be reached for comments on the matter last night.
The insider said Prime Minister Lilo was aware of Mr Manetoali’s move.
“Let’s wait and see what action Mr Lilo would take against his tourism minister and other backbenchers who are planning a revolt against the government,” the insider said.
Mr Manetoalia had been in the Marshall Islands last week at a tourism summit.
He then travelled across to Australia for a tourism promotion event the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau had been conducting this week.
He is expected back on Sunday with Prime Minister Lilo.
By Jeremy Inifiri
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