PM Sogavare Apologizes To Speaker Of Parliament

Prime Minister Sogavare Apologizes To Speaker Of Parliament

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare publicly apologized to the speaker of parliament Sir Peter Kenilorea at the close of the recent parliament meeting last night.

Mr Sogavare said he regretted asking Sir Peter to leave the speaker’s seat just before parliament debated an opposition no confidence motion in the prime minister on August 10.

“I would like to openly apologise for my remarks against the speaker,” he said. “I’m sorry sir and I wish to say that the issue is now water under the bridge”.

Speaking last night at a function marking the official ending of parliament, Mr Sogavare said the speaker’ role as a referee controlling top representatives of the entire country is a difficult task.

He said most parliamentarians entered parliament with preconceived positions on any issue brought to the floor of parliament.

“This makes the task of being a speaker one of most difficult jobs in the world,” he said.

Mr Sogavare praised Sir Peter for his professionalism and maturity in fairly taking charge and ruling on some of the most sensitive issues brought into parliament.

He also thanked both sides of the house for supporting six of the government’s bills brought into parliament at the recent sitting.

He said the bills were aimed at improving the way Solomon Islands is looking after and improving the lives of its own citizens.

Two opposition no confidence motions against Prime Minister Sogavare failed at the recent meeting.

The first was withdrawn on August 10 and the second was disqualified.

The next sitting of parliament is expected in November this year.

ENDS

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