Lavulavu's motion disturbs Tongan Parliament

There was an uproar in the Tongan Parliament when, in a bid to avoid impeachment, ‘Etuate Lavulavu presented a motion for parliament to replace members of its Standing Committee on Privileges with new members of his own selection.

The committee is currently carrying out an investigation into a motion that was presented to the House for the impeachment of Lavulavu, Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism, for alleged nepotism, and misuse and mismanagement of government’s properties.

The Chairman of the Standing Committee on Privileges, Lord Fusitu’a told the House that since 19 August, when the House agreed to give the minister a chance to have a dialogue with the committee, they had not been able to meet him.

He said that they had given Lavulavu the final opportunity to come and meet them Monday, before they proceeded to submit their findings to the House but he had not appeared.

However, Lavulavu tabled a motion to the House to dismantle the Comnmittee, and replace members with members of his selection – to make decision if there is a case for the House to impeach him or not.

Lavulavu’s proposed Standing Committee members were: Lord Vaea, Lord Tu’iha’ateiho, Tevita Lavemaau, ohiva Tu’i’onetoa, ‘Epenisa Fifita and Vili Manuopangai Hingano.

Lord Fusitu’a expressed outrage that the minister wanted to select a committee to decide on his own impeachment.

There was  a bit of a commotion as the House was disturbed by the intent of the Motion.

The upheaval in parliament calmed down after the Prime Minister, Akilisi Pohiva asked the minister to withdraw his motion.

Lavulavu agreed and withdrew his motion, the second motion to be presented to parliament this year.

The first motion, also by Lavulavu, was for Parliament to buy three tractors for Vava’u but that motion was also withdrawn for cabinet to work on.
Source:  PACNEWS