Premier Veo reshuffles two ministers and welcomes new minister into executive
By Alfred Pagepitu and Leilani Makini
The Western provincial government under the leadership of Premier Hon. Billy Veo has reshuffled two of its ministers to take up new Ministerial portfolios this afternoon.
Hon. Brian Lotikena MPA for Ward 1 who is the Minister for Transportation, Works and Communication as the new Deputy Premier.
Former Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sports, Hon. Ron Kituru Ghemu MPA ward 4 is the new Minister of Finance and Treasury.
Meanwhile, Hon. Eric Manahan Hitu MPA for ward 22, took his oath as the new Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sports.
Presiding the ceremony is the Hon. Speaker – Ramrakha Talasasa and witnessed by, Hon Premier Billy Veo, Executives, Provincial Secretary, Speaker and Clerk to the assembly.
The new ministers from (L to R) Hon Ron Ghemu new minister for finance , Hon Erik Hitu new Minister for culture tourism sport ,Hon Brain Lotikana minister for communications works and transport and Deputy Premier. Photo by Hon Jennings Movobule MPA for Ward 9 Dovele
Two executive members resigned
The reshuffling of the two ministers and appointment of Hon. Hitu came following the resignation of the former deputy premier, Carlrick Runimetu and Chair of the Caucus Hon. Freedom Tozaka.
Hon. Runimetu told SIBC News that he had expressed his intention in a letter to Premier Billy Veo to withdraw from his portfolio and remain within the executive as a back bencher.
However, Premier Veo in his response in a letter accepted Hon. Runimetu’s intention, however, as his resignation from the executive.
“I choose to withdraw because some MPAs have expressed a desire to take up this role, and it has come to the point where I need to step back. Some MPAs have pushed the Premier to assume this role, which I did not seek.”
“Now, I have decided to submit this withdrawal letter because I feel incompetent for these positions.”
“My last day holding these two positions under the ACAREA government will be effective from the date the Premier decides, which he has now indicated in his letter,” Hon. Runimetu said.
Meanwhile, Hon. Freedom Tozaka claimed that their resignations were in the best interest of the people of Western Province.
“We must look out for the interests of Western Province because there are many issues we need to address.”
“When my colleague, the Deputy Premier, resigned, I felt confident with him in the executive as a focused chairman.”
He added that when Runimetu left, it created a significant gap, prompting him to tender his resignation for the greater good of the people of Western Province, to align with any government that emerges.
Following the resignation of the two members, the executive maintained 14 members while the non executive had 12 members.
ENDS///