THE Member for Chuave Open and Minister for Environment and Conservation Wera Mori has announced his decision to join PNG Country Party (PNGCP) last week.
Minister Mori becomes the first sitting Member of Parliament to depart Prime Minister James Marape’s ruling party, the PANGU Party on the eve of the 2022 National General Elections. His move comes with just weeks remaining before the issue of Writ scheduled on the 28th of April.
Minister Mori has not revealed the reasons behind his decision to abandon the ruling party, which he is regarded as a senior member. This newspaper is reliably informed as other colleague MPs of his were surprised with his decision and are struggling to establish the fall out.
The PNGCP Public Officer Wilson Thompson Orlegge welcomed Minister Mori’s decision to join party.
Mr Orlegge said: “For now, we commend the decision taken by Minister Mori and due announcement will be made after advice to Registrar of Political Parties, Speaker and Clerk of Parliament and Electoral Commissioner.” He thanked Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta for his leadership, support and mentoring PNGCP and also his decision to encourage others to take up leadership positions in the country.
Mr Orlegge said Governor Haiveta is presently the leader of the party and welcomed Minister Mori on board and others who are joining as financial members.
He said Governor Haiveta had indicated to allow others to take the lead as he would support and mentor the Party up to the date of the issue of Writ.
“Thank you everyone for your support and we look forward to work with new leadership under the PNGCP sphere of influence from Gulf to Jiwaka, Simbu, Madang, Eastern Highlands, Madang and Morobe,” Mr Orlegge said.