- Minister declares December 9 Renbel Assembly meeting unlawful
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
A motion of no confidence against Rennell and Bellona Premier Derek Pongi has been ruled null and void, bringing an abrupt end to a brief period of political uncertainty in the province.
The ruling was made by the Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), Wayne Ghemu, who declared the motion procedurally invalid after it was found to have breached key provisions of the Provincial Government Act 1997 and the Provincial Assembly Standing Orders.
In a letter dated 12 December 2025 and addressed to the Speaker of the Renbel Provincial Assembly, Jefter Tuhanenga, the Minister confirmed that the no-confidence motion, submitted by members of the non-executive group, failed to meet mandatory legal requirements.
The motion was submitted on 8 December 2025, with a meeting convened the following day. However, the Ministry noted that Standing Order 107 requires at least seven clear days’ notice before a motion of no confidence can be moved, including placement on the notice paper and public notice board at the provincial headquarters.
“This requirement was not met,” the Ministry said, rendering the process unlawful.
The Ministry further revealed that despite requests, the Renbel Provincial Assembly failed to submit supporting documentation, including the formal notice of meeting, to justify the process.
The ruling also highlighted a breach of Standing Order 111, which requires that a Premier facing a no-confidence motion be present and given the opportunity to respond to allegations.
In this case, the meeting proceeded in the absence of Premier Pongi, denying him the right to be heard.
The Ministry concluded that the failure to comply with these mandatory procedures meant the December 9 meeting and its outcome have no legal standing.
“As a result, Premier Hon. Derek Pongi remains the duly constituted Premier of Rennell and Bellona Province, and the motion of no confidence, as processed, cannot have legal effect,” Minister Ghemu said.
Responding to the decision, Premier Pongi thanked the people of Renbel Province for their support during the recent political turmoil.
“The motion tabled by other MPAs was deemed procedurally invalid, and therefore the result was considered null and void,” he said.
“It is my sincere hope that future proceedings will be conducted in a proper and lawful manner.”
However, reports from reliable sources indicate that the non-executive members are expected to lodge another submission this week, this time ensuring all legal and procedural requirements under the Provincial Government Act and Standing Orders are fully complied with.
The development indicates that while the immediate challenge has collapsed, political tensions within the Renbel Provincial Assembly are far from over.
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