THE GOVERNMENT has moved to rein in any political fallout from embattled Chief Executive Officer Colin Yow’s controversial administration of Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA).
Government sources said a top level committee comprising the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), the Attorney General’s Chambers, the Accountant General’s Office, the Auditor General’s Office and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury has been set up to begin shifting through SIPA’s financial records.
The appointment of the committee was suggested in Caucus by the Minister of Civil Aviation and Communications, Hon Peter Shanel on Tuesday.
The Government’s move comes as reports begin to filter through suggesting that any action to remove Mr Yow would threaten the very survival of the DCC Government.
Among other things, the high-powered committee is expected to establish whether or not acted unlawfully in spending unapproved money on imported rice from Vietnam, sea-plane down payments, bonuses and noodles.
Former Attorney General and now SIPA chairman, Billy Titiulu, told Caucus last week that Mr Yow was merely carrying tasks approved by the previous SIPA Board.
According to one report, 16 Government MPs including Ministers would stage a mass walkout if Mr Yow is removed as CEO of SIPA.
These MPs reportedly support what Mr Yow is doing.
Another report suggests that MP for Aoke-Langa Langa, Hon Matthew Wale, may finally get his wish to be Minister of Finance and Treasury.
The substantive Minister, Snyder Rini, is reportedly being retired on medical grounds.
He was due to arrive back in Honiara from Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital yesterday (Wednesday).
Hon Wale is said to be bringing across to the Government 10 MPs from the Opposition and Independent benches.
Still another report said that the Hon Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is keen to see the rule of law applied in establishing whether Mr Yow had broken the law in allegedly spending unapproved funds.
However, the Prime Minister wants this to be done at arms-length away from politics.
He is reportedly considering writing to the Leaders of Opposition and the Independent Group in Parliament to request their support in dealing with alleged corruption.
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