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The Non-Executive Committee of the Western Provincial Assembly has expressed deep concern over recent reporting by Solomon Star journalist Eddie Osifelo, in which Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele was quoted as saying that the push by some provincial governments to quickly adopt a federal system of government is “gradually fading.”
According to the same report, Provincial Premiers and representatives from nine provinces have instead agreed to pursue a review of the Provincial Government Act 1997.
In a statement issued tonight, the Non-Executive Committee described the development as “troubling and unacceptable,” insisting that the pursuit of federalism is not a matter of political convenience but a clear mandate from the people.
“The Draft Federal Constitution 2018 was the direct outcome of extensive consultations with citizens across the country,” the Committee said. “This mandate was further affirmed by the Constitution (Amendment) (Constituent Assembly) Act 2023, which amended Section 61 of the Constitution to provide a legal pathway for adopting a federal system.”
The Committee said any suggestion that federalism is “gradually fading” contradicts the clearly expressed aspirations of the people of Solomon Islands.
They added that in Western Province, the commitment to greater autonomy is even more explicit. The Western Solomons 10-Year Strategic Plan (2026–2035) identifies the declaration of Western Solomons statehood on 7 July 2028 — coinciding with the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary — as its overarching goal.
The statement said the Western Provincial Assembly has passed multiple resolutions affirming this direction. Premier Billy Veo has repeatedly stated that “statehood is not negotiable,” while Deputy Premier Brian Lotikena has publicly supported the stance, saying “we cannot back down.”
However, the Non-Executive Committee expressed disappointment at what it described as the Premier and Deputy Premier’s silence following the Solomon Star article.
“Their silence diminishes the significance of the people’s long-standing desire for greater autonomy and misrepresents the position of Western Province,” the statement said. “The ACAREA Provincial Government has failed to accurately convey the aspirations of the Western Solomons.”
As a result, the Non-Executive Committee has called on Premier Billy Veo and Deputy Premier Brian Lotikena to resign for failing to present the people’s mandate for statehood to Prime Minister Manele.
The Committee warned that should they fail to do so, it will move a Motion of No Confidence against the Premier at the Western Provincial Assembly meeting scheduled for 16 March 2026.
