The Non-Executive (NE) group of the Western Provincial Assembly has claimed to have secured a commanding majority of 14 members and declared its camp as ‘rock solid.’ This followed the high-profile resignation of two provincial ministers early this week.
In a bold move that signals a deepening political crisis for the current administration, the NE group confirmed they have formalized their alliance through a signed Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), vowing to remain united until the Assembly meets on March 16, 2026.
One Non-Executive insider, speaking on the condition of anonymity, took aim at the leadership of Premier Billy Veo, describing the current Executive as “very weak” and unresponsive to internal concerns.
“We the NE will not move as we signed our MoA already. We will not move to the other side but we will remain faithful, as experienced over the three years since 2023,” the insider told Solomon Star in a recent interview.
The source revealed that the current “pulu pulu” system, a local term for political lobbying and grouping has firmly favored the opposition camp.
According to the NE, the defection of two ministers has bolstered their numbers to 14, effectively tilting the balance of power in the 26-member assembly.
The disgruntled member further alleged that the premier had ignored repeated advice to reshuffle his cabinet and remove under-performing leaders.
“Some of us told Premier Billy Veo to remove some of his very dead and inactive ministers within his government, but he never listens,” the member claimed.
“We the NE cannot move to join his government because nothing will be changed if some of his ministers remain there with him.”
The Non-Executive group maintains that their decision to stay away from the government side is rooted in a desire for a change in governance style and effectiveness.
They insist that the current executive’s refusal to address “deadwood” within its ranks has made reconciliation impossible.
“How can we go in with a very weak Executive within Billy Veo’s government?” the member questioned.
With the crucial Assembly meeting set for mid-March, the political atmosphere in Gizo remains electric.
The NE group has made it clear they are prepared to wait out the clock.
“We will not move but remain solid as NE until 16th March 2026 comes,” the spokesperson concluded.
Efforts to reach Premier Billy Veo for a response to the claims were unsuccessful as this evening.
BY ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
