Ongidobel resumes his post as committee chairman with 74 days left in his term

Author: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang

Palau Koror – House Speaker Sabino Anastacio has reinstated Ngeremlengui representative Swenny Ongidobel as chairman of the House Committee on Commerce and Trade, just 74 days before the end of OEK’s term.

Ongidobel was removed from office on Feb. 27, 2023, pursuant to House Resolution No. 11-12-10S, which reassigned his committee responsibilities to Representative Lee Otobed ​​of Ngatpang. The resolution also renamed Otobed’s committee from the Community, Planning, Commerce and Development Committee to the Community, Planning, Commerce, Economy and Development Committee.

Ojidobel was removed from his position because Speaker Anastasio was concerned that Ojidobel was conspiring with other representatives to challenge his position as Speaker. As a result, Speaker Anastasio, together with Deputy Speaker Lucio Ngiraiwete and Leader of Parliament Gibson Kanai, introduced a resolution to strip Ojidobel of his chairmanship and merge his committee with that of Otto Bede.

During the February 27 House meeting, Speaker Anastasio claimed: “Everyone knows that for the past two years, the representatives of Ngremulengi have been trying to reorganize the House,” adding that Anjidobel “does not respect the will of the majority regarding the organization of the House.” He continued: “Let’s not play tricks in the House… Let’s respect each other and unite.”

Now, the same three House officials have introduced a new resolution to reinstate Ongidobel. House Resolution No. 11-15-17S was passed yesterday, reinstating Ongidobel’s committee and chairmanships, sparking speculation weeks before the next general election.

Some citizens believe that the restoration of the speakership may have allowed Anjidobel to obtain constituency funds for the upcoming elections in exchange for his support for Speaker Anastasio. Others speculate that Speaker Anastasio extended an olive branch to Anjidobel to secure his support for the upcoming run for the 12th House Speaker, as many new candidates are expected to win the seat.

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