The Native Iowan

Steve Abana 

OPPOSITION Leader Steve Abana has tended his resignation letter to Speaker of Parliament, Sir Allan Kemakeza yesterday afternoon.

Speaker of Parliament Sir Allan Kemakeza confirmed receiving the letter at 1pm.

Abana’s resignation re-confirmed his initial stand to discontinue his role as the leader.

MP for East Honiara, Douglas Ete came out in the media to ask Mr Abana to resign.

However, he resigned last Friday after his outburst created a rift with Abana.

In his letter, Mr Abana said his decision was based on an understanding reached with the members of the Opposition Group for him to relinquish leadership since the commitment he made over the media not to contest the Prime Ministership.

“I hold the view that the interest of the Group is foremost and as demanded by Hon Douglas Ete and other colleagues would enhance and further advance the political aspirations of the Opposition Group under a new leadership, is a cause I sincerely accept with humility,” he said.

“Having done so, and with strong belief amongst some of the Opposition members that holding on to leadership would be a deterrent to a proposed move by ten ministers from the NCRA Government to join the Opposition side and with the view to renotice the motion of no confidence on Prime Minister Hon Danny Philip; in this current sitting of Parliament.

“The internal power struggle for political esteem within the group over the last seven months was consistently eroding the coexistence of trust and confidence and the principles and values of commonsense, as uniting factors that continues to embrace the group,” Mr Abana said.

“I hope and with all sincerity, that my resignation as of the above date will bring about a successful outcome for the future of the Official Opposition of the Ninth Parliament,” he said.
The Opposition was expected to meet last night to elect their new leader.