MEMBER for North Bougainville, Francesca Semoso, has responded to calls for her to return to the Government by firmly stating that she will remain in the Opposition.
Ms Semoso stated that despite allegations about her being aligned with Sir Julius Chan and Sir Chris Haiveta, who were involved in the 1997 Sandline Crisis, she will not be returning to the Government benches.
In response to a poster circulated on social media urging the people of North Bougainville to demand her return to the Government, Ms. Semoso said: “I will not move back to the Pangu Party or the Government. Sir Julius and Sir Chris are from the past. I am focused on the future of Bougainville. I represent a new breed in politics, and I am a woman.”
Ms Semoso clarified that she would not tolerate such political propaganda and that her stance in the Opposition is unwavering.
“As an elected leader for the people of North Bougainville, I am mandated to be their voice in Parliament, not a representative of the Pangu Party,” she said.
“I was waiting to see what Pangu Pati would say about my position in the Opposition alongside Sir Julius and Sir Chris Haiveta. I don’t care if we are in the same political sphere; my concern is for the people of Bougainville, particularly the youths, children, and women of Bougainville and PNG.”
She reiterated her satisfaction with her current position, noting that she has no personal issues with Prime Minister Hon James Marape’s government but chose to move due to her commitment to the people of North Bougainville and Bougainville’s quest for independence.
Ms Semoso added that she will demand an official apology from the Pangu Pati when Parliament resumes on Tuesday, September 3rd.
Reflecting on her recent speech in Parliament, Ms Semoso said: “No Bougainville MP in 20 years has stood in Parliament and spoken so passionately about Bougainville’s independence.
As a mother, when I cried in Parliament, it was because I felt the pain that my people endured during the crisis that took lives and destroyed our beautiful home.
I spoke from my heart, and the people of Bougainville and PNG felt the weight of my words.”
She urged the Pangu Pati and Prime Minister James Marape to refrain from playing cheap politics and to focus on addressing the issues facing the country.
