PM Manele clarifies decision to reassign Vokia to new portfolio

By Alfred Pagepitu 

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has clarified the disciplinary decision to reassign Hon. Jamie Vokia to the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Survey following public calls for stronger action over a controversial overseas agreement.

The concern arose when Vokia served as the Minister for Commerce and signed an agreement with a Vietnamese-based company, the SI Group, without seeking prior Cabinet approval, an act widely criticized as a breach of government procedures.

Speaking to local media this afternoon, Prime Minister Manele said the decision to move Vokia to a new portfolio was not taken lightly but was carefully considered within the coalition government framework.

“I want to address recent public discussion regarding the reassignment of Minister Vokia to the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Survey.

“ I understand that many expected a stronger disciplinary measure.

 “The decision was not made lightly. It followed internal discussions within our coalition government, the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) which I lead. 

“It was made with the broader national interest in mind as well,” Manele explained.

 He stressed that the move was not about condoning the breach of cabinet processes but rather about balancing accountability with maintaining unity and stability in government.

“Leadership sometimes requires looking beyond what is expected to consider what is necessary.

“This resolution was not about excusing the breach of Cabinet processes. It was a deliberate and concerted response, one that upholds the principle of accountability while safeguarding the unity and stability of government,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister acknowledged the complexities of coalition governance, stating that in a coalition setting,  leadership often involves balancing principle with practicability.

“Our priority remains clear, and that is unity and stability. These are the essential foundations upon which we build progress,” he said.

Vokia remains a member of the coalition and that the reassignment reflects the government’s collective commitment to stability.

He was reminded about the importance of following proper government processes.

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