New alliance of defiance gives PM Hou ultimatum

By Alfred Sasako

MEMBERS of the United Democratic Party (UDP) have merged with Kadere after resigning their membership over the weekend, sources confirmed last night.

UDP Members include former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, former Finance and Treasury Minister, Snyder Rini and former Development Planning and Aid Coordination Minister, Danny Philip.

Letters of their resignations were received by the UDP this week, confirming a front page article in the Island Sun yesterday that Kadere and former UDP members have merged into a new 21-member strong Alliance.

They have made their position clear that any moves to dismiss any of them must include removing the entire group. “It’s all or none,” Island Sun was told on Tuesday evening.

As of last night, there has been a new development. There are unconfirmed reports that the new Alliance of Defiance has given the Prime Minister Ricky Houenipwela an ultimatum.

“Do as we say or we will walk out from you,” according various reports Island Sun was able to put together from various sources.

“That ultimatum could be given to the Prime Minister as early as tomorrow [today],” those familiar with behind-the-scene political developments said.

No one seems to put a finger on what the new Alliance wants from the Prime Minister, although there are suggestions this could be connected with the payment of $50 million awarded by the High Court for the Hell’s Point waste land east of Honiara.

It was suggested that both Hon Houenipwela and his Deputy and Finance and Treasury Minister, Manasseh Sogavare had struck a deal to address the payment issue.

But soon after assuming office, the Prime Minister allegedly reneged on the undertaking, a move that had been blamed for the alleged rift between the two men.

Kadere Party President and Chairman of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF), Peter Boyers, who returned from the SINPF-owned resort of Tavanipupu two days ago, is also a strong proponent of the $50 million payment.

Prime Minister Houenipwela has however put his foot down, suggesting he might be taking legal advice on the matter from the Attorney General’s Chamber, which has reportedly advised against the payment.

Instead, it has suggested that the land be repossessed under the new Amendment to the 2016 Land and Titles Act.

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