Sogavare Should Accept Defeat, Says Fono

Sogavare should accept defeat, says Fono

The Deputy Prime Minister, Fred Fono has described as nonsense the declaration by the Opposition Leader to boycott state functions.

He made the description while responding to the declaration by the Opposition Leader, Manasseh Sogavare that he will boycott state functions until the Dr Derek Sikua Government gives him a good explanation for ousting his Grand Coalition for Change Government last December.

But Mr Fono says Mr Sogavare's former ministers and backbenchers of his former coalition government had explained the reason for leaving his Government was they were not happy with his style of leadership.

He says what other explanations does Mr Sogavare require before he is satisfied with the defections?

Deputy Prime Minister Fono says Mr Sogavare was ousted as Prime Minister in the democratic process through a vote of no confidence in his leadership in Parliament.

Mr Sogavare's boycott of state functions included one that Prime Minister Sikua hosted for the visiting Taiwanese Vice President, Annette Lu February 1st.

But Mr Fono says Mr Sogavare's reason for boycotting the function was not only nonsense but was also childish as Taiwanese overwhelming assistance both in funds and technical cooperation to Solomon Islands should have been the determining consideration for attending.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Fono says Mr Sogavare should accept the new Coalition for National Unity and Rural Advancement Government does not hold grudges against him nor his office.

In fact, he says the government recognizes Her Majesty's Opposition as provided for under the country's independence constitution as well as its functions as the alternate government.

The Government also recognizes the Opposition is a machinery of government, adding the recognitions speak well for the importance the government attaches to the Office of the Leader of Opposition and its holder.

Mr Fono says if Opposition Leader Sogavare does not accept the recognitions the Government gives the office and its leader, then he should make room for a new national leader who can accept the government sentiments to take over.

ENDS

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