BY SAMIE WAIKORI
Premier Derek Tenoaika Pongi of Rennell and Bellona province, calls on the people of the province to remain calm as a motion of no confidence against his government is set to be tabled today at the provincial headquarter in Tingoa.
The call comes after a two-week political stand-off within the provincial assembly, where advices from the Attorney General Chamber has cleared the way for the motion to proceed.
Before Christmas Day, this paper first reported the development after being informed by the Provincial Speaker, Jephthah Tuhagegna.
He said the motion was registered following advice from the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), acting on a directive from the Attorney General’s Chambers, to convene a meeting on December 29.
The Speaker issued the official notice for the motion of no confidence on December 25, with the motion listed as the sole item of business for the meeting.
This paper also reported that the non-executive members who moved the motion now commanded a majority, holding six of the ten wards in the province. This follows the defection of two members from Premier Pongi’s government to the non-executive side.
With this, the non-executive group led by MPA for ward 8, Hon Collin Tesu’atai, with six MPAs, while Premier Pongi retains the support of only four MPAs.
According to the report, half of the MPAs were in Honiara last week and expected to arrive in Tingoa over the weekend ahead of today’s motion.
In light of the no confidence motion, Premier Pongi appeals to the people of Rennell and Bellona Province to remain calm and allow the democratic process to take its course.
“As we approach the date for the motion of no confidence against me as premier of Rennell and Bellona province, scheduled for Monday, 29 December 2025, I would like to call for peace and understanding.
“It is important to remember that this process is part of our democratic system, and it is the duty of our elected MPAs, as well as the offices of the speaker and clerk, to handle these procedures with wisdom, integrity, and respect,” Premier Pongi said.
He urges the public not to spread rumours or take sides, but instead to focus on maintaining peace and unity within wards, villages, and families.
Premier Pongi further calls on the people to join in prayer and to keep calm hearts as the province navigates this period with patience and grace.
He concluded by wishing the people of Rennell and Bellona well as they look ahead to the outcome of the motion and the celebration of the New Year in 2026.
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
