Plot against PM heats up

By JEFFREY ELAPA
The move to remove Prime Minister Peter O’Neill gained momentum yesterday with Opposition parties National Alliance and PNG Party joining forces.
It comes just three months before the 18-month grace period of O’Neill ends with a no-confidence vote against him on the cards.
The PNG Party, led by Vanimo-Green MP Belden Namah and Moresby North-West MP and former prime minister Sir Mekere Morata, have merged their numbers with the National Alliance Party led by Opposition leader Patrick Pruaitch.
It is a move, they say, done in the best interest of the nation for a change in leadership.
This merger of PNG Party parliamentary membership of five MPs brings National Alliance numbers to 16, excluding other members of the Opposition.
Pruaitch said the merger was a change in the political landscape of the country, especially in the Opposition, with two political parties with a proven track record of managing and running the country merging as one to provide a strong and stable leadership.
He said Sir Mekere was one of the best-performing prime ministers who brought many economic reforms in the country with his political party.
Pruaitch said the PNG Party merger with National Alliance bode well for the country.
Namah, who has been out of the limelight for a while, said there must be a time to put aside ego and self-interest for the good of the nation.
He said Sir Mekere, three PNG Party MPs and himself had made the decision in the best interest of the nation.
“We have moral obligations to bring back transparency and accountability in the way the country is run and give confidence to the people,” Namah said.
“We are ready to remove Peter O’Neill as prime minister because of the mismanagement of the economy and the many issues now facing our country and the people.
“It is a great move for a greater and better PNG.
“We are using this opportunity to create change and solve the problems of this country.
“We must have all the credible people come together to form a government that gives confidence to the people.”
Namah said the Opposition did not have the numbers and was banking on Government MPs “to make a move for the good of their people and the future of PNG”.
Sir Mekere said the merger of PNG Party and NA clearly demonstrated the Opposition’s determination and preparedness to change O’Neill – not the Government.
“We need to change the prime minister,” he said.
“This merger is loud and clear that National Alliance is ready, Opposition is ready, to move and change.
“We call on like-minded Papua New Guineans to work with NA and make a change.
“Papua New Guineans must not remain silent.”