Waqa government defeats No Confidence motion
When the Nauru Parliament sat this
morning (Tuesday, 28 Jan) a No Confidence motion against President
Waqa and his government was brought on and was defeated 11 votes to
seven.
One of the newer members of
parliament from the Constituency of Meneñ Squire Jeremiah moved to
suspend all relevant standing orders to allow the motion to go
forward.
However, today's motion was
defeated, with President Waqa's government clearly maintaining
power.
Following the motion, the Clerk of
Parliament read a petition calling for the removal of the acting
Secretary for Health Dr Setareki Vatucawaqa citing the loss of
confidence, by health staff, in the secretary's management of the
department and staff.
During the early part of Question
Time, two main questions were posed concerning the visa revocation
of the partner of Opposition member Roland Kun and questions
surrounding the government's decision to disregard an injunction
order issued by the Chief Justice.
A repetitious question and answer
session took up most of Question Time eventually prompting Speaker
Ludwig Scotty to abruptly adjourn the House "until the bell
rings".
Question Time resumed a few hours
later with issues including reasons behind the government's loss of
confidence in the Resident Magistrate Peter Law that led to his
subsequent termination and deportation as well as payments of the
superannuation fund, the establishment of banking facilities on the
island and overseas health referrals.
After two hours of extended
Question Time, the speaker recessed the House for several minutes
before resuming for ministerial statements.
Following ministerial statements
Justice Minister Hon David Adeang introduced the Immigration Bill
2014 but requested a recess of one hour to allow members to review
the Bill.
Nauru's first parliament sitting
for the year was attended by all 19 members of parliament
today.
Parliament will resume shortly to
continue the tabling of the Immigration Bill 2014.