I will not resign: PM

BY ANDREW FANASIA Jr
In Association with Island Sun News
Honiara, Solomon Islands

As the political upheaval of the country intensifies, Solomon Islands
16th Prime Minister after 32 years of independence, Mr Danny Philip
said he has no reason to resign even though he is under intense
pressure following the defection of some his Ministers.

“I am not a weak leader or will even buckle up to what I termed as
cheap rhetoric in media by Mr Wale and his Cohorts,” Mr Philip
confidently said in a press conference yesterday.

This was following the comment made by acting leader of Opposition, Mr
Matthew Wale in a interview with One Television calling the PM to
resign.

“I want to assure the people of Solomon Islands that NCRA have
something for you,” he said yesterday.

Mr Philip has revealed that his government is commanding the support
of 24 members of parliament and that included Ngella MP, Mark Kemakeza
who revoked his own resignation on Saturday.

He also confirmed that among the 24, North Malaita Member of
Parliament Mr Jimmy Lusibaea is counted even though there are legal
implications with his issue.

Mr Philip however revealed that his backbencher, MP for East Makira,
Alfred Giro is still seating on the fence.

I want to appeal to the Opposition side to stop there misleading
allegations which aimed to destroy the public trust and confidence in
their Government.

“I am confidence and ready to act in the interest of my good people of
Solomon Islands, NCRA is here for the good citizen of Solomon
Islands,” Mr Philip confidently stated yesterday in a press
conference.

Mr Philip however appealed to the friends from outside (donor
countries) to stay away from this latest political upheaval.

“This does not mean I don’t like you, but experience has taught me
some lessons in the past,” Mr Philip said.

He made this appeal after rumors that the Opposition side is backed by
some influential countries from outside.

He added that, “let this political problem fixed by ourselves.”

Meanwhile, Mr Philip assured the people of Malaita that NCRA
Government will be coming out for you to establish some of the planned
industries to develop their resources.

Islands Sun understands that things might change in the next few days
as the battle is on between the current NCRA government and the
desperate Opposition side.