Opposition calls on Government to clarify contradictions involving Minister Salopuka and company records.
The Leader of the Official Opposition is calling on the Government to clarify contradictions between public statements made by the Minister for Lands, Housing and Survey, Oliver Salopuka, and current company registry records linked to Lever Solomons Limited.
Salopuka has publicly stated that he resigned from company directorships before being sworn in as Minister. However, company records generated on 20 May 2026 reportedly still list Oliver Noll Salopuka as a current director of Lever Solomons Limited and Lavukal Investment Company Limited.
According to the Opposition, the matter is significant because Lever Solomons Limited remains connected to ongoing Government court proceedings involving land matters currently before the courts on appeal.
The Opposition said the issue raises public concerns about possible conflicts of interest, transparency, and accountability within the Lands portfolio.
The Opposition also referred to Salopuka’s statement that decisions relating to RIPEL or related land matters would be handled by Cabinet rather than by him personally. However, it argued that further clarification is needed regarding any previous directorships, company associations, and links to ongoing litigation involving State land matters.
It stated that the public should be provided with documentary clarification, information on any formal recusal arrangements, and an explanation of who is responsible for providing instructions in relation to the ongoing appeal.
The Opposition further raised concerns over information suggesting that the Lever Solomons appeal may have been discussed during political negotiations leading to the formation of the current Government. It argued that if a pending State appeal involving public land was part of political discussions, it could raise questions about the integrity of State litigation processes.
In response to these concerns, the Opposition called on the Prime Minister to:
- Confirm whether Oliver Salopuka has resigned from Lever Solomons Limited, RIPEL, Lavukal Investment Company Limited, or any related entity, and provide the dates of any resignations.
- Publicly release or table relevant resignation letters, board resolutions, company notices, and Companies Haus filings relating to those resignations.
- Explain why company extracts generated on 20 May 2026 reportedly still list Salopuka as a director of Lever Solomons Limited and Lavukal Investment Company Limited.
- Confirm whether Salopuka has formally recused himself from Cabinet discussions, ministerial decisions, and official communications concerning Civil Appeal No. 18 of 2026, the pending stay application, and any land dealings involving Lever Solomons Limited or related entities.
- Confirm that any instructions to the Attorney-General regarding the Lever Solomons appeal are being handled by non-conflicted decision-makers acting on independent legal advice.
The Opposition also called on the Attorney-General to assure the public that any decisions concerning the conduct of the appeal or stay application would be made according to law and independently of any ministerial influence where conflicts of interest may arise.
It said public confidence in the rule of law depends on both impartiality and public trust, and argued that the Government should address the reported discrepancies between public statements and company registry records.
The Opposition said it would continue to pursue the matter in Parliament and through public channels.
Source: Opossition Press Release
