BY IRWIN ANGIKI
Yesterday parliament was forced to adjourn for today after 33 MPs did not turn up.
This mass absence coincided with the mass resignation of 10 government MPs and the motion of no-confidence notice filed yesterday against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.
Parliament minutes sighted by Island Sun yesterday said the session started at 9.54am where the MP attendance was noted.
Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale raised a question on quorum, which was confirmed after 15 minutes.
The Speaker then adjourned parliament for 9.30am today, according to Standing Order 12 (2) and pursuant to Section 67 of the Constitution.
According to the parliament minutes, MPs absent include: James Bonunga, Ricky Fuo’o, Wayne Osopo Ghemu, David Gina, Nestor Giro, Rick Nelson Houenipwela, Peter Kenilorea Jnr, Frederick Kologeto, John Dean Kuku, Harry Kuma, Stephen Kumi, Gordon Darcy Lilo, Manasseh Maelanga, Trevor Hedley Mahaga, John Maneniaru, Derick Rawcliff Manu’ari, William Bradford Marau, Rexon Annex Ramofafia, Lazarus Alfred Rina, Clezy C Rore, Francis M B Sade, Oliver Salopuka, Rollen Seleso, Stanley Festus Sofu, Manasseh Damukana Sogavare, Freda AB Tuki Soriacomua, Jimson Fiau Tanangada, Claudius Tei’ifi, George Temahua, Morris Toiraena, Alfred J M Tuasulia, John Tuhaika Jnr, and Daniel Suilea Waneoroa.
MPs present include: Peter Shanel Agovaka, Chachabule Rebi Amoi, Paul Popora Bosawai, Choylin Yim Douglas, Tozen Leokana, Ben Maenu, Jeremiah Manele, Cathy Launa Nori, Polycarp Paea, Makario Tagini, Bradley Billy Smoky Rodo Tovosia, Namson Tran, Isikeli Vave Jnr, Jaimie Lency Vokia, Matthew Cooper Wale, and Franklyn Derek Wasi. Parliament minutes add that the Speaker had welcomed in the public gallery ‘law students from the University of the South Pacific who were present to observe the Parliament sitting as part of their course’.
