Two Leaders of Party (LPV) Ministers – Minister of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Jotham Napat and Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity, Matai Seremaiah – were terminated yesterday.
The Instrument of Removal Orders were signed by Acting Prime Minister Bob Loughman, as per the powers conferred on him by subarticle 42(3) of the Constitution.
Their dismissal follows reports of a motion of no confidence in the Salwai-led Government.
However, Speaker of Parliament, Esmon Saimon has confirmed to Daily Post last night that no motion has been deposited at his office.
“No motion has been deposited at my office as we speak,” he said.
Nevertheless, the Speaker mentioned that he is aware of speculations of a motion currently circulating as MPs lobby for more signatures.
Sources said so far over 27 MPs have signed the motion.
MP Napat and MP Seremaiah are two very active, outspoken leaders and this was evident when they held the two ministerial portfolios over the last two years.
LPV President, MP Napat said he has been committed to the party’s promise of strength, integrity and leadership since launching the LPV and has been a loyal servant of the Salwai Government.
According to a statement issued by the LPV president last night, he was advised the Deputy Prime Minister Bob Loughman had terminated him and Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries as ministers yesterday afternoon.
“No reason was given for their termination,” the LPV President stated.
“We became aware via social media posts some of our coalition colleagues had become threatened by our party’s support in Vanuatu. We were elected to represent our constituents and have done so with integrity.
“We are deeply saddened some of our colleagues have put their own interests ahead of the people of Vanuatu. This is not something the Leaders Party of Vanuatu condones.
“We are proud of our achievements as a party, representing our constituents and as members of the Salwai government.
“We have delivered many projects and policies that have seen growth throughout Vanuatu. We will continue to serve the people of Vanuatu and hope our colleagues in government will share our vision of putting the people first rather than their own self-interest.”
