Wale calls on Sogavare to clarify proposed payment to ex-militants

OPPOSITION Leader Hon Matthew Wale has called on the Prime Minister and his government to clarify a planned payment to ex-militants.

In a statement today, Hon Wale said his office have been reliably informed that the Prime Minister and his Government are planning a $300,000 each payment to former militants.

The Opposition Leader said his office was also informed that the Office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet (OPMC) is currently renting an office space for ex militants at Town-Ground to carry out registration of names to submit to OPMC.

“I urge the Prime Minister and his Cabinet to clarify the reasons for this payment and if there is a Cabinet decision on the matter. If so, the Prime Minister must also clarify who will be providing funds for this payment,” he questioned.

Hon Wale also questioned the intentions and reasons behind this payment.

The Opposition Leader adds his office was also informed that the OPMC has also called for submissions from essential service workers during the ethnic crisis.

He said the government has also reportedly promised to pay them $300,000.

Hon Wale said this is a major undertaking by the Prime Minister and government that raises a lot of questions than answers

“Why is the government committing itself into such unbudgeted obligations and why is the government still making such payments. What have they owed to these people? People in this country need clarifications,” he said.

The Opposition Leader said an alleged payment of $2 million dollars to ex-militants after the motion of no confidence in December last year must also be clarified.

“Our country is facing a major economic uncertainty and yet the government see fit to make unnecessary financial commitments that will only open a can of worms,” he said.

Hon Wale said the current Prime Minister had made similar promises in the past to ex militants but turned out to be false which became the source of tensions then.

The Opposition Leader said how long will the government and its leadership continue to entertain ex militants for their own personal gain and interest.

ENDS//

Opposition Press