WAU-Bulolo MP Sam Basil says sorry to PM O'Neill

WAU-Bulolo MP Sam Basil has said sorry to Prime Minister Peter O’Neill on Good Friday via a traditional ceremonial apology.

Mr Basil said the chosen day was fitting to apologise to Mr O’Neill.

“In the last 10 years that I have been in opposition, I have vigorously challenged Mr O’Neill for the good of this nation and I even went to the recent elections with the aim to end his reign but was not successful,” Mr Basil said.

He said this may have been an indication that Mr O’Neill has been chosen by the people of this nation to lead and he (Basil) respected that.

“When I championed the move against O’Neill, people took to social media to express their support but there was not any real support and those who took to social media were there to ridicule my move to the government,” Mr Basil said.

He said his move to the government side was a unanimous decision by the PANGU party.

PANGU’s deputy leader and Goilala MP William Samb said Basil was adamant to be in the opposition but when the party made the decision to move, Basil had no choice but to follow.

“I have been in opposition for the last 10 years and my people of Bulolo have suffered immensely so as a responsible leader I have decided to work with the government this term to move development in my district,” Mr Basil said

During the ceremony Mr Basil also pledged his allegiance to the O’Neill-Abel government.

“I would also like to announce that I am now a cabinet minister in this government and I will perform in those capacities to the best of my ability,” Mr Basil said. Press Release