Juffa sent from govt benches, Marape says

 Northern Governor Gary Juffa has been moved from the Government benches to the Opposition, the Leader of Government Business and Minister for Finance James Marape said.

The People’s National Congress Party unanimously resolved in a caucus meeting this week to shift him from the Government benches.

In a statement yesterday, Marape said the party came to the decision following Juffa’s criticism of Government policies and announcements.

“When you continue to speak and act in contradiction to Government policy, decisions and decorum, we are left with little choice but to make this decision,” Marape said.

He said as the Leader of Government Business in the PNC-led Government, it was appropriate for him to do what he did.

“We are taking stock of our rank and file,” he said.

“Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has the biggest single majority of numbers ever.” 

Marape said the Government had received an indication from a senior member in the Opposition that he wanted to join the Government. “I will make further announcements as we go through this session on our Government seating arrangements we intend to undertake to strength and consolidate our Government,” Marape said.

Juffa is Governor of Northern.