I resigned on own accord, no one forced me, says former PM O'Neill
Former PNG Prime Minister and leader of the People’s National Congress Party Peter O’Neill says the decision to resign was his own and in the interest of political stability.
The Member for Ialibu-Pangia, speaking out for the first time since last week’s political drama, said yesterday that he resigned on his own accord and not because of certain leaders’ decisions.
“I chose the interests of political stability over political self interest. I made the decision to resign before I left for Parliament on Wednesday morning, and signed my letter of resignation.
“There is incorrect information in media with certain leaders claiming responsibility for my decision to resign as the prime minister of Papua New Guinea,” Mr O’Neill said in relation to statements from former prime ministers Sir Julius Chan (Governor, New Ireland) and Paias Wingti (Western Highlands Governor).
“This was my decision alone and while leaders had provided their views, I was under no obligation to resign as court proceedings were already under way to ensure clarity of process,” he said.
“Even the most senior members of the government were not aware that my letter of resignation was being presented to the Governor-General at the same time we took our seats in Parliament.
“However, it was my view that this prolonged action, that would also provide the time to rebuild the number required to govern, would not have been in the best interests of the nation,” Mr O’Neill said.
“I have long spoken of the importance of political stability in the long-term interest of our country.
“In making the decision to resign I did not consult with anyone, I did not need to, because for me the decision was clear.
“Leaders who are claiming to be responsible for my decision to resign, or the timing of this decision, are seriously mistaken.
“Some are making false and self-serving statements trying to claim credit, when the reality is that they were themselves hungry for power and are now trying to take credit for the change that has taken place,” he said.
Mr O’Neill said the Parliament had since elected the eighth Prime Minister James Marape.
“This matter has been settled and it is time for leaders to put aside their attempts to seek glory and stop this misleading self-praise, and to get behind the government and advance the interests of our nation,” Mr O’Neill said.
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The Member for Ialibu-Pangia, speaking out for the first time since last week’s political drama, said yesterday that he resigned on his own accord and not because of certain leaders’ decisions.
“There is incorrect information in media with certain leaders claiming responsibility for my decision to resign as the prime minister of Papua New Guinea,” Mr O’Neill said in relation to statements from former prime ministers Sir Julius Chan (Governor, New Ireland) and Paias Wingti (Western Highlands Governor).
“This was my decision alone and while leaders had provided their views, I was under no obligation to resign as court proceedings were already under way to ensure clarity of process,” he said.
“Even the most senior members of the government were not aware that my letter of resignation was being presented to the Governor-General at the same time we took our seats in Parliament.
“However, it was my view that this prolonged action, that would also provide the time to rebuild the number required to govern, would not have been in the best interests of the nation,” Mr O’Neill said.
“I have long spoken of the importance of political stability in the long-term interest of our country.
“In making the decision to resign I did not consult with anyone, I did not need to, because for me the decision was clear.
“Leaders who are claiming to be responsible for my decision to resign, or the timing of this decision, are seriously mistaken.
“Some are making false and self-serving statements trying to claim credit, when the reality is that they were themselves hungry for power and are now trying to take credit for the change that has taken place,” he said.
Mr O’Neill said the Parliament had since elected the eighth Prime Minister James Marape.
“This matter has been settled and it is time for leaders to put aside their attempts to seek glory and stop this misleading self-praise, and to get behind the government and advance the interests of our nation,” Mr O’Neill said.
Statement
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