Parliament to resume this Friday

​National Parliament Speaker Theo Zurenuoc has scheduled this Friday (July 15), 2pm, for the next parliament sitting.

This is in compliance with the Order of the Supreme Court of Justice (SCC[OS]) No. 3 of 2016 dated July 12.

The Supreme Court ordered the speaker to recall parliament within 5 days, including today, to have the motion of no-confidence introduced, debate and voted on as a matter of national importance and urgency.

An order was also made to the clerk of parliament to place the notice of motion of no-confidence against the Prime Minister as the first item of business of parliament on the first day of sitting.

In a unanimous decision, Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia, Deputy Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika and Justice Collin Makail granted a declaration that the motion of no-confidence against the Prime Minister complied with technical requirements of section 145 of the Constitution and Standing Orders 22 and 130.

However, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill in a statement said he has been briefed on the decision by the Supreme Court ordering the recall of the Parliament, and is seeking further legal advice.

In relation to the proposed vote of no-confidence that has been proposed by the Opposition, the Prime Minister said this is another costly attempt to cause instability for the sake of political self-indulgence.

“The vote proposed by the opposition is mischievous and continues to lack the support of the Members of Parliament,” the Prime Minister said.

Meanwhile, the Opposition in a media conference this afternoon welcomed the court decision and described it as a victory for the people for justice to prevail.

Opposition Leader Don Polye said they have set up camp to gather their numbers to overthrow the O’Neill-Dion Government.

Author: 
Freddy Mou