Another Morobean has been sworn in as the new Papua New Guinea deputy Prime Minister two weeks after the passing of Sam Basil.
Minister for Lands and Physical Planning John Rosso was sworn in by Acting Governor General Sir Gibbs Salika at Government House Konedobu Wednesday.
Watched on by his wife and two children, the first time MP and Minister took the oath to serve the country.
Prime Minister James Marape also announced the appointment of Manasseh Makiba as the new Minister for Transport & Infrastructure.
He said Rosso’s appointment was made to honour and respect the life and work of deputy PM late Basil.
He said Rosso is a senior leader from Morobe Province and Member for Lae City, the “most important economic city” in the country.
“Importantly, Rosso has performed his duties as a minister of State very well and in respect to Deputy Prime Minister, late Basil, it is fitting to return the portfolio to Morobe Province,” Marape said.
“Minister Rosso is a hardworking Member of Parliament and a senior Pangu leader who has the political and personal attributes to replace Basil.
“In this context we are making him the Deputy Prime Minister as he retains his Lands portfolio.
“Also, and just as importantly, because there must never exist a vacancy in the Deputy Prime Minister’s office in case something happens to the Prime Minister or in the absence of the prime minister.”
He also thanked the family of the late Basil for their understanding and co-operation during the funeral period.
“By the same token, we are bringing in Manasseh Makiba to Cabinet as soon as possible,” Marape said.
“He has been on the flanks in the last three years and has been an instrumental part of the change of government in 2019.
“Minister Makiba has always been a team player who has allowed others to take precedence before him.
“There is now a vacancy in the portfolio.
“While time is not there to do new things, there needs to be ministerial oversight and he steps into the Transport & Infrastructure portfolio to have that oversight as we go into elections.”
Both leaders were sworn in at Government House.
SOURCE: POST COURIER/PACNEWS
