BY JOSES SAREN
Leader of Opposition Manasseh Sogavare has expressed full support for a call by the Leader of the Independent Group and Member for Central Guadalcanal, Peter Shanel Agovaka, for urgent action to address escalating criminal activities affecting communities in the constituency.
The concerns raised by the Member for Central Guadalcanal are serious and deserve the Government’s immediate attention, Sogavare said in an Opposition statement yesterday.
“The people of Central Guadalcanal have every right to live in safe and peaceful communities without fear of intimidation, violence and criminal behaviour.
“The reports emerging from the constituency are deeply concerning and require an immediate and coordinated response from law enforcement authorities,” Sogavare said.
The Opposition leader supports the Independent Leader’s call for those responsible for the criminal acts to be swiftly investigated, arrested and brought before the courts.
Sogavare made it clear that there must be no safe haven for those who choose to terrorise communities, destroy property and threaten the safety and livelihoods of innocent Solomon Islanders.
“The rule of law must prevail,” he said.
Sogavare said the ongoing incidents also highlight the importance of ensuring the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force is properly led and supported to respond effectively to growing law and order challenges.
He noted that this is a time when the police force requires strong, stable and credible leadership, adding that officers on the front line must have the leadership, resources and public confidence necessary to carry out their responsibilities effectively and restore peace to affected communities.
He also endorsed Agovaka’s call for leaders, communities and law enforcement authorities to work together.
“Keeping our communities safe is a shared responsibility.
“Political leaders, churches, traditional leaders, communities and the Police Force must stand together against criminality and ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” Sogavare said.
Photo: Supplied
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