Sore says withdrawal is not a surrender. The matters will be pursued further
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
Mover of the Motion of No Confidence against Western Province Premier Billy Veo, Ward 7 Member of Provincial Assembly Hon. Rence Sore, has withdrawn his motion during the Western Provincial Assembly sitting in Gizo provincial capital Western Province.
Hon. Sore told the House on Wednesday, his decision was based on a shift in political numbers within the Assembly, which he said no longer favoured the Non-Executive group to successfully pass the motion.
Despite the withdrawal, he maintained that the motion was initially brought forward on “solid grounds,” including allegations of abuse of authority, financial mismanagement and conduct unbecoming of the Premier.
“Politics is ruled by numbers, not integrity. The ACAREA Government holds the numbers, but numbers do not equal honesty, legality or accountability. That is the flaw in our democracy,” Hon. Sore said.
He claimed that influences “beyond the will of the people” had altered the balance of power in the Assembly, weakening support for the motion.
Hon. Sore stressed that withdrawing the motion does not mean the opposition is backing down, warning that the matter will be pursued through relevant authorities.
“Let there be no doubt: withdrawal is not surrender. We will pursue these matters through the Leadership Code Commission, the Ombudsman and the Anti-Corruption Commission. We will not relent,” he said.
He added that his actions reflect the concerns of the people of Western Province and reaffirmed his commitment to accountability and good governance.
The withdrawal allows Premier Billy Veo to retain leadership of the Western Provincial Government during the current Assembly sitting.
While the Premier’s side has previously described the allegations as politically motivated, the opposition’s intention to refer the matter to oversight bodies is expected to keep political tensions high in Gizo.
The Assembly has since resumed its normal proceedings.
