Bogia Open MP and Minister for Energy, Robert Naguri, joined the National Coalition Camp this morning (Sunday, May 26th).
This latest exodus makes the 6th State Minister leaving the Marape-Rosso Government, indicating a show of no confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister (PM) James Marape, who has likened these defectors as trimming ‘fat’ off the government.
Wosera-Gawi MP Joseph Yopiyopi and Goilala MP Casmiro Aiya also made their commitment to change the government by joining the Sanctuary Camp as of this morning.
With the pulling out of the three MPs, the Marape Camp currently has 38 MPs.
This number may likely decrease in the coming days as the resumption of Parliament looms near, but Prime Minister Marape remains unperturbed, calling it a ‘blessing in disguise’.
Finschhafen MP Rainbo Paita made the announcement this morning (Sunday, May 26th) after the three MPs joined like-minded leaders camping at Sanctuary Hotel this morning.
The 18 renegade Pangu Pati Members are out of 59 led by Minister for Finance & Implementation, Rainbo Paita physically moved to join the opposition last night to overthrow Prime Minister James Marape and the Pangu-led Coalition Government in the lead-up to the Vote of No Confidence heats up.
“The National Coalition Camp is growing in numbers, and it is for the Country and the people,” said Paita.
But Prime Minister Marape is confident of his chances to hold onto the government, pointing out that, “As others have moved, I received calls from 41 Pangu MPs, and all our coalition party leaders and members, indicating their support.”