The number of members of Parliament at the Sanctuary Hotel camp in Port Moresby is swelling with the latest inclusion of Chimbu Governor, Noal Kool this afternoon.
Kool is a member of Sir John Pundari’s Liberal Party. Last night head count by PNG SUN saw 35 MPs including 15 from the Parliament Opposition.
Earlier this morning, Energy Minister, Robert Naguri, Goilala MP, Casmiro Aia and Wosera-Gawi Joseph Yopo-Yopo joined the camp.
The lobbying of MPs is intensifying in light of looming Vote-of-No-Confidence against Prime Minister, James Marape. Parliament sits on Tuesday afternoon.
In a media statement, PM Marape described the defection of his Government and Pangu Pati MPs last night as a “blessing in disguise.”
“I thank those who were part of my government and appreciate their support for me until their departure on their own accord and I wish them well.
“This is a play for a vote-of-no-confidence, and I know they are joining the opposition that has Allan Bird as their nominee. I wish them well to assemble an alternative team and policy series that hopefully can do better for PNG than my Pangu and coalition team.
“I want to ask all Papua New Guineans to respect leaders as they make their choices and ply their trade.
“Leaders are elected by their people and they have their rights to associate with leaders of like mind.
“As others have moved, I received calls from 41 Pangu MPs, and all our coalition party leaders and members, indicating their support.” said PM Marape.
Meanwhile, PNG SUN will do another head count this evening and keep you all posted.