Veo survives three motion of no confidence against him
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
Western Provincial Premier Hon. Billy Veo who survived all three Motions of No-Confidence (MoNC) brought against him has welcomed the withdrawal of the latest motion of no confidence.
The Opposition withdrew the motion last week due to lack of numbers.
Premier Veo first faced a Motion of No-Confidence earlier in his term, followed by a second attempt months later, both of which failed to secure enough support to unseat him.
The third and most recent motion, which was expected to be tabled last week.
However, it was officially withdrawn.
Mover of the motion and Ward 7 Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA), Hon. Rence Sore, said it would not be possible to continue under the current situation.
“Politics depends on numbers,” Mr Sore said.
He added that the concerns raised in the motion, including issues of leadership and financial management, still remain.
The Non-Executive Committee (NEC) had earlier claimed it had enough support to remove the Premier, particularly following the resignations of Fisheries Minister Hon. Fredrick Alepitu and Tourism Minister Hon. Eric Manhitu.
However, support has since shifted.
Another three Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) crossover to Veo’s side that makes him won back his leadership.
Premier Billy Veo welcomed the withdrawal and said his government will now focus on delivering services to the people of Western Province.
“Our government remains strong and focused,” he said. “We will continue to work on important projects and the 2026 budget.”
With the motion now withdrawn, Western Province has tabled a balanced budget of $45,818,725 for the 2026/2027 financial year.
Provincial Finance Minister Ronnie Ghemu presented the budget before the Western Provincial Assembly in Gizo on Monday, highlighting a focus on responsible fiscal management, transparency, and accountability.
Under the Provincial Government Act, the Premier may now be protected from another Motion of No-Confidence for the next 12 months.
Although the motion has been withdrawn, political observers say issues raised earlier may continue to be discussed in the province.
