By EMTV News
In a dramatic turn of events in the five hours, Peter O’Neill, has stepped down as Prime Minister handing over the reigns to veteran politician, Sir Julius Chan.
Charles Abel has been sidelined and Sam Basil has taken over Deputy Prime Minister.
The announcement came as Peter O’Neill struggled to maintain control over the government with the steady stream of high profile defections to the opposition in the last four hours.
Even with an obvious minority government, Peter O’Neill, is still maintaining a brave face. The handover, he says, is meant to strengthen the coalition and ensure that stability continues.
“PNC remains a big party with 27 members of parliament. We are a government that listens to the people. We have achieved quite a substantial amount of development. But all good things come to an end.
“It is important that we maintain a certain amount of stability. We have heard the calls and we have agreed for a change of government.”
Peter O’Neill is yet to officially tender his resignation. He is expected to do so by presenting a resignation letter to the Governor General – a process that is expected to happen in the next few days, he says.
“We will provide the numbers for the stability of the country. We will do so because we respect the people. I will be visiting the Governor General to make sure that we pave way for a new government and a new leadership of a new government.”
Sir Julius Chan, who was forced to step down following the Sandline protests in 1997 said the transition represents stability.
“The strength of the government is not about numbers. It’s the transition of power from one government to another in tranquility and smoothness. I want to thank the Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, for all that he has done to bring this country today.
“Men and women of Papua New Guinea…we have very short memories. Tomorrow you will look back and see all the things that he has done. But like life itself, you just got to move on,” Sir Julius said.
Go to this link for more: https://emtv.com.pg/breaking-peter-oneill-steps-down-as-prime-minister-of-papua-new-guinea/
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