By Katalina Siasau
The Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku and members of the Cabinet sought an audience with King Tupou VI at the remote island of Niuafo'ou, yesterday, 7 March, following weeks of uncertainty after the King withdrew his confidence and consent to the appointment of two cabinet ministers, Minister of His Majesty's Armed Forces Hon, Hu'akavameiliku, and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Hon. Fekitamoeloa 'Utoikamanu.
Photos taken at Niuafoou of the audience, were shared by the Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Hon. Dr. Viliami Uasike Latu on Facebook this morning.
His Majesty King Tupou VI, seated wearing a grey shirt, posed for the photograph with the Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku and members of the Cabinet who followed him to Niuafo'ou, all wearing black. From left, Lord Fohe, Hon. Dr. Viliami Uasike Latu, Lord Tu’i’afitu, Hon. Hu'akavameiliku, Hon. Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu, Tongatapu Peoples Rep. No. 6 Hon. Dulcie Elaine Tei, and Hon. Dr. Siale ‘Akau’ola, and the Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet, Paula Ma'u (seated right).
Matangi Tonga understands that the Prime Minister and his delegation arrived at Niuafo'ou, yesterday afternoon, 7 March, at around 1:00pm and then flew back to Vava'u at 3:45pm.
The Prime Minister decided to travel to the remote Niuas in the far north of Tonga, after Lord Tu'ivakano urged him, in Parliament, to go in person and talk to the King.
Tensions have been rising for weeks since 2 February, when the Prime Minister was told that King Tupou VI in Privy Council had withdrawn his consent to the appointments of two cabinet ministers Minister of His Majesty's Armed Forces Hon, Hu'akavameiliku, and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Hon. Fekitamoeloa 'Utoikamanu.
The Prime Minister's Office were not able to provide a comment, and they have yet to release a statement on the Prime Minister's audience with the King.
