IN what appears to be a display show of strength against the looming no confidence motion against the Prime Minister this Friday, Government had aligned swearing in of 10 ministers at Government House yesterday.
With this latest political twist, Government had claimed it now commands the support of 31 members of the 50 seat Parliament.
The development sends a clear message that a no confidence motion against Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare stands no chance of victory.
The newly sworn in Ministers are: Moffat Fugui, new Minister for Education and Human Resource Development; Moses Garu, now Minister for Lands, Survey and Housing; Stanley Sofu as Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services; Bartholomew Parapolo who returns to his former Ministry of Culture and Tourism and William Marau now Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs.
Five members of the Independent Group led by their leader, Manasseh Maelanga also took their oaths of allegiance during the swearing in ceremony.
Mr Maelanga becomes the Deputy Prime Minister an d Minister of Home Affairs; Chris Laore – Minister for Forestry and Research; avid Tome – Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening; Elijah Doromuala- Minister for Commerce, Industries, Employment and Immigration; and Jimmy Lusibaea- Minister for Infrastructure Development.
Governor General Sir Frank Kabui administered the swearing ceremony witnessed by the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and other members of the Government.
The political upheaval began more than a week ago when the former deputy Prime Minister Douglas Ete resigned followed by a mass resignation of six ministers and backbenchers leaving the government in minority for several days.
But the defection of the six Independent MPs ensured the government regained numerical strength.
The motion of no confidence remains valid and will be tabled against the PM this Friday by the Opposition.
By CHARLES KADAMANA
