Why no Opposition in ABG?

The Autonomous Bougainville Government does not have an Opposition because it is a transitionary Government.

First secretary to the ABG President’s office, Pajomile Minaka, relayed this after queried by Loop PNG as to why the ABG didn’t have an opposition within it.

He said the Autonomous Region of Bougainville was a special case because it is emerging from a crisis situation, thus it needs to be dealt with sensitively.

“Bougainville is still recovering from a crisis situation, however we hope to establish an opposition in the 4th House,” said Minaka.

The need for an internal opposition has popped up in recent times after the announcement by the ABG that former miner Bougainville Copper Limited would be making a comeback to develop the Panguna mine.

Vocal landowner leader and chairman of the Special Mining Lease Osikaiyang landowners Association, Philip Miriori, is adamant that the ABG must have an opposition of its own.

“The ABG does not have an opposition; therefore I have to be the opposition. The ABG must be kept in check and held accountable,” said Miriori.

Author: 
Meredith Kuusa