The Malaita Premier Peter Ramohia has denied any affiliation with the Malaita group name Isles of Ramos Peoples’ Power (IRPP).
The Malaita group last week came out publicly and voiced its strong support towards current MART government’s idea of Malaita Province seceding from the rest of Solomon Islands to be a sovereign state.
The IRPP also voiced its frustration over the lack of implementation of all national projects ear-marked for Malaita province.
The group threatened to stage protest march in Auki on the arrival of Prime Minister Sogavare for the 34th Second Appointed Day anniversary tomorrow.
Premier Ramohia said the Malaita provincial government has no affiliation with the IRPP, adding that it is an independent political pressure group.
“I want to assure everyone that we in the Malaita provincial government have no affiliation or what so ever with this group.
“We are not behind this group as some people think,” said.
Asked if the IRPP would be allowed to go ahead with their protest despite Prime Minister Sogavare’s non attendance of the second appointed anniversary, the premier said he is not sure as the person whom the protest was targeted will not be attending the occasion.
“The IRPP has the right to protest and say what they want to say. All that needs to be ensured is that the protest is lawful and does not fuel criminal activities. It’s up to them to go ahead if they want to continue with their protest but I just want to make it clear to them that the Prime Minister is not coming over to Auki.”
Meanwhile, Premier Ramohia is calling on every Malaitan who can make it to Auki to come together and make this second appointed day celebration an enjoyable and peaceful one.
By BIRAIU WILSON SAENI
Auki