OʼNeill, Kua discuss sacking

 By MALUM NALU

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill has explained to Kerenga Kua in a meeting why he has been sacked as justice minister and attorney-general.

The two met yesterday afternoon after Kua arrived back from his Sinasina-Yongumugl electorate when he heard of his dismissal.

A Government source last night confirmed the two met to discuss the action taken against Kua. No further details were available last night.

Kua was sacked on Tuesday and replaced by Transport Minister Ano Pala. O’Neill said he was opposing the Government’s plan to amend Section 145 of the Constitution, “thereby undermining Cabinet and government solidarity”.

Kua returned from his Sinasina-Yongomugl electorate yesterday after learning of his sacking.

“I was in the district for a week because there was a lot of work to be done in Sinasina-Yongumugl,” he said when addressing supporters and media personnel at the airport.

“While there, I heard that I had been decommissioned, that Sam Koim and the Sweep team had been disbanded, that Deputy Police Commissioner Simon Kauba had been removed, that they had removed the police lawyer (Nicholas Miviri) working on the (O’Neill) court case, and that they had accused the justice and court system of being compromised.

“I have only heard this from other people.”

He told the people he had not been formally notified of his sacking.  

“What I intend to do now is to sit down with him (O’Neill) and receive official notification from his own mouth,” he said.

“We will sit down, drink tea, and discuss.

“When I receive the notice, I will ask him why he removed me from my job, and then I will be able to talk with the media.”

Kua said he was proud of what he had done over the last two years as attorney-general.

“After the 2012 national elections, I didn’t ask for a ministry. It was the prime minister himself who appointed me as attorney-general,” he said.

“During the 20 months on this job, I have put my heart and soul into it.

“If he wants to decommission me, that is his prerogative but I must understand the reason why he has removed me so that future incumbents will not repeat the same mistake.

“Once I confirm that he has decommissioned me, there will be many things to say, but at a later time.

“Secondly, I must know the reason why, and the reasons for all the other decisions that they have taken.”