Support calls to step aside
A SENIOR statesman supports call for Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo to step aside while the Leadership Code Commission (LCC) investigates allegation of misconduct levelled against him.
Sir Peter Kenilorea weighed-in on the issue after Malaita Ma’asina Forum (MMF) earlier asked Mr Lilo to step down.
The former prime minister said now that the matter has been referred to the LCC, it becomes a constitutional issue that warrants Mr Lilo to step aside.
Sir Peter said the allegation of extra-marital affair has put the conduct of the prime minister as a national leader into question and consequently demeaned the highest office that he holds.
“The right thing for any leader in such situation to do is step aside and allow the investigation to take place,” Sir Peter said.
Earlier, MMF secretary Charles Ashley said the the most honourable conduct for the prime minister is to tender his resignation to his Excellency the Governor General.
This is so that he can answer the misconduct charges before the LCC as well as prosecuting his defamatory law suit in the High Court.
Mr Ashley said as Prime Minister caught by the provisions of section 93(b) of our National Constitution, the referral to the LCC in itself calls into question the responsibilities of his office as envisaged by section 94 of the same Constitution.
Sir Peter said as prime minister in 1986, he stepped aside when his leadership was called into question, to allow for investigation to take place.
This was over alleged diversion of relief funds.
“Some of us resigned in the past by following the constitution,” Sir Peter said.
Mr Lilo had earlier declined to respond to calls for him to step aside.
By Eddie Osifelo
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