Shocking new behaviour by Opposition MPs as they trash Nauru internationally
The Government of Nauru has hit out at some Opposition MPs,
revealing that they are mounting a campaign to spread lies about
the country and President Baron Waqa, in a desperate bid to regain
political power.
Justice Minister David Adeang said he and the President were
contacted by an Australian television program about allegations put
to them by members of the Opposition that aim to discredit the
President and the country.
"We were shocked to hear that the Opposition has gone to
Australian media with baseless claims going back six years, all of
which have been consistently disproven, and to be honest are of no
interest to Australia as they are Nauruan domestic matters.
"The journalist effectively bailed up our President in a house in
Brisbane and attempted to intimidate him. This was orchestrated by
our own Opposition MPs who refuse to put Nauru's interests ahead of
their own."
Mr Adeang said these despicable acts dishonoured the country's
motto, 'God's will first'.
"We expect these false and highly defamatory allegations to be
aired by Australian TV in an attempt to denigrate the character of
our President, who is an honourable Christian man," he said.
"Furthermore, the questions put to me were so aggressive and
offensive, I have refused to answer them and the Government has
refused to participate in such slander."
The Minister said the Waqa Government has been the first
administration to truly tackle cronyism and corruption that has
plagued previous governments, and noted that former President
Marcus Stephen resigned over corruption allegations.
"Those who have lost power, influence and money have done nothing
but criticise our efforts to reform our great country. It is sad
that the media are being used by our Opposition and they can't see
it.
"To these Opposition MPs I say, your thirst for political power is
bringing our nation into disrepute based not on fact, but on lies
and propaganda. Stop this at once and put your people first."