WESTERN PROVINCE SOON TO HAVE NEW PREMIER

Western Province should have a new premier by next week, announced the Speaker of the provincial assembly Richard Tekefono.

Mr. Tekefono made the assurance in an interview with Radio Hapi Lagun.

He says relevant provincial authorities are sorting out the leadership issue.

“We are working towards getting this leadership issue sorted out by next week so what I’ve agreed upon with the Deputy Premier in our meeting last night was that I am here to institute a seven days notice vested on me by the Standing Orders to call an assembly meeting and the Clerk to the assembly has been notified to make sure that members are informed thus from today and by Wednesday next week we will meet to elect a new Premier.”

Meanwhile, the Provincial Speaker says nominations will depend on the availability of all provincial members.

“With regards to nominations it all depends on the arrival of members, if the arrive this weekend then nomination should be open by this weekend, normally it takes two days and if they are not available then it will take Monday and Tuesday then Wednesday we will have the assembly meeting. In terms of the number of candidates, I would not preempt anything as it depends on members but we all know that if only one candidate was nominated then we will only certify him to take his oath of office.”

SIBC News understands, the seven days notice issued by Mr. Tekefono for a provincial meeting was effective as of Wednesday this week.