BY BEN BILUA
GIZO
POLITICAL manoeuvring between the executive and non-executive members of the Western Provincial Government continues to unfold, with reports of shifting loyalties, allegations, and a looming motion of no confidence against Premier Billy Veo’s administration.
Despite claims of division, both sides maintain that the administration of the province remains intact, with the government continuing to roll out projects and deliver services.
Reports reaching this paper alleged that Premier Veo has promised payments of up to SBD60,000.00 to those who remain loyal to his government.
The allegation, however, has been strongly denied by some members of the executive, who described the claims as baseless and politically motivated.
At the same time, Veo’s leadership has come under scrutiny from critics who argue that his government has failed to deliver on key promises and is not performing in the best interests of the people of Western Province.
In response, the executive has dismissed the criticism as “petty allegations,” insisting that the government’s performance speaks for itself – one of the achievements highlighted by the executive includes the province’s successful qualification for the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) for the 2025/2026 financial year.
In addition, the government has overseen the completion and handover of a number of small-scale community projects; demonstrating effective governance and commitment to grassroots development.
In a fresh twist, reports have surfaced that a motion of no confidence is being organized against Veo’s government ahead of the next provincial assembly meeting scheduled for next month.
The political speculation has added to an already tense atmosphere where both supporters and critics of the Premier are closely watching the developments.
When contacted for clarification, Speaker of the Western Provincial Assembly Ramrakha Aquila Talasasa said his office has not received any formal notice of a motion.
“I have no idea about the matter raised. The only documents at my table are papers of the upcoming assembly meeting,” the Speaker said.
For now, the speculation remains unconfirmed, but the growing political tug-of-war in Western Province underscores the fragility of leadership in one of the country’s most influential provinces.
The weeks leading up to the assembly meeting are expected to be politically charged as the executive works to shore up its numbers while the non-executive seeks to test the government’s strength on the floor of the house.
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