Marape, 31 MPs break away from Laguna camp

Posted on The National

TARI-Pori MP James Marape and 31 MPs yesterday left the Opposition camp and held talks with the Government MPs on a candidate to succeed Peter O’Neill as prime minister.
The election of a new MP is the first order of business when Parliament sits today.
The Government MPs are camping at the Crowne Plaza. Opposition Leader Patrick Pruaitch’s group remains at the Laguna Hotel.
Marape’s group booked into the Grand Papua next to the Crown Plaza.
After Peter O’Neill announced in Parliament his resignation as prime minister, Abau MP Sir Puka Temu walked back to the Government side saying it was something he had promised if O’Neill resigned. He was followed by Ijivitari MP Richard Masare.
After Parliament was adjourned, Marape, Southern Highlands Governor William Powi, Pangu Party leader Ginson Saonu, Sir Peter Ipatas and 28 MPs jump on a bus and went to the Grand Papua.
O’Neill and his group also left through the same door for their Crown Plaza camp.
Later, Marape, Powi, Sir Peter and Renbo Paita left for the Crown Plaza and were met by Works Minister Michael Nali.
There was a big cheer when they walked into the Government camp. O’Neill and his team hugged them.
After about 45 minutes, Marape and his group left for their hotel.
About an hour later, O’Neill, Sam Basil and Sir Julius Chan left the Crowne Plaza to meet Marape and his group at the Grand Papua.
At 3.15pm, everyone returned to the Crown Plaza – a total of 76 MPs together.

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