PRIME Minister Dr Derek Sikua last night sacked five of his ministers who he believed orchestrated the move to defeat the Constitution (Political Parties Amendment) Bill 2009.
He took action after announcing the sackings on the floor of parliament.
Sacked are:
1. Finance minister Snyder Rini,
2. Environment and Conservation minister, G Darcy Lilo,
3.Agriculture and Livestock minister, Selwyn Riumana,
4.Fisheries and Marine Resources minister Nollen Leni, and
5.Justice and Legal Affairs minister, Laurie Chan.
Dr Sikua also removed government backbencher and MP for West New Georgia Vona Vona, Peter Boyers as chairman of Investment Corporation of Solomon Islands (ICSI).
The Solomon Star understands from insiders Mr Leni and Mr Chan were sacked for defying Dr Sikua’s instruction not to travel overseas this week.
Dr Sikua wants all members of the government to be in parliament to pass the Constitution (Political Parties Amendment) Bill, which requires the support of 36 MPs.
Mr Rini, Mr Lilo and Mr Riumana were believed to be part of a conspiracy to keep other backbenchers away from parliament during voting.
The trio turned up in parliament to vote in support of the bill.
But Dr Sikua believed their presence was a cover-up because they were the real culprits behind the move to defeat the bill.
The sackings came three days before parliament was due to dissolve this Saturday. Observers believed the action will have little bearing on the ministers concerned.
To keep the cabinet going until the next election, Dr Sikua reshuffled his Minister for Commerce, Francis Billy Hilly to the Finance portfolio.
MP for Central Guadalcanal, Peter Shanel, will take on the Commerce portfolio; MP for Shortlands, Augustine Taneko will be new Justice and Legal Affairs minister, while MP for West Are’Are, Severino Nuaiasi will take care of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
Mr Lilo’s replacement is still being decided on last night. The new ministers will take their oath 3pm today.
They are expected to be in caretaker roles when parliament dissolves this Saturday.
The Opposition and Independent members who earlier spoke against the bill during debate supported it during voting.
But the Solomon Star understands they decided to vote in support when they already knew the government does not have the number to pass the bill.
All 34 MPs present during voting supported the bill, but this was two short of the required three-quarter majority needed to pass the bill.
The Constitution (Political Parties Amendment) Bill 2009 is one of the main policy goals of Coalition of National Unity and Rural Advancement (CNURA) Government.
The objects of this Bill are:
a) to facilitate the registration, administration and development of political parties and stability of the Government, including the establishment of the Political Parties Integrity Commission under the Constitution;
b) to ensure that the regulation of political parties does not violate the relevant fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals under the Constitution;
c) to alter the rule on the election of Prime Minister to appointment by the Governor General;
d) to provide for dismissal of Prime Minister when members of his political party or coalition of parties in Parliament have lost confidence in the Prime Minister;
e) to abolish the provision for independent group and provide for one Opposition side in Parliament;
f) to provide for other amendments relating to acting appointments of Ministers and assignment of responsibilities, including appointment of parliamentary secretaries.
Its accompanying bill, the Political Parties (Registration and Administration) bill 2009 is set down for second reading today.
Parliament dissolves on Saturday and Government will act as caretaker until a new administration comes in after the national general election.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
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