By Scott Waide – EMTV News, Lae
Pangu Party’s General Secretary, Morris Tovebae, has described Bulolo MP Sam Basil’s announcement of a mass party resignation as a desperate move to remain in control.
“The Pangu Party is intact and there will be a caucus meeting later this week,” Mr. Tovebae said.
The General Secretary was responding to the statements made by the Finance Minister and Bulolo MP that all 15 MPs would resign before the end of the week and form a new party.
It’s understood, Basil was removed as Party leader but today he spoke as the man responsible for resurrecting the ailing political force.
If the resignations do happen, Pangu will be significantly weakened without a parliamentary wing.
Mr. Tovebae has countered that possibility by saying that a 12 member Pangu Council has appointed Morobe Governor, Ginson Saonu, as interim party leader using provisions within the party constitution.
“The Pangu Council has representatives from all four regions. The Council appointed the Morobe Governor as Pangu leader. It’s nothing secret. The announcement will be made on Thursday when we meet.”
Pangu appears to be in a state of disarray even with the executive arm wrestling powers away from Basil in something of a coup. But the real test of Pangu’s existence will be on the floor of Parliament when they make a decision on where they stand.
