THE Premier of Malaita province has thanked the chiefs, church leaders, relatives and the community of Adatolo for their cooperation which has resulted in the arrest of one of the key suspects in the Easter Double murder incident in Honiara.

According to an official message posted in the National Malaita Facebook page, Premier Peter Ramohia acknowledged the people for their cooperation which resulted in the handover of the murder suspect to the RSIPF.

“As a leader of our great province, I plea to you all my good and law abiding people of Malaita Province to respect law and order, respect properties and most of all respect life.

“Parents it is our responsibility to teach our children the best of our Malaitan values and qualities. Young people, let us have respect for our Chiefs and elders.

“Chiefs it is our responsibility to lead and direct our tribesmen and women with firmness according to our Malaitan true norms/cultures and truth.

“Church leaders, let us continue to teach and help our followers be shining examples of the love of Jesus Christ,” according to his post.

He said political leaders (national and provincial), must truly love the people, take them as priority to work together to create more opportunities for people especially young people to start earning a living and to change the country.

“It is my prayer that Malaita will rise above our challenges using our God given wisdom, knowledge and talents.

“Let us do our part and God will complete the rest for us.” For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us (Malaita),” he said.

In the meantime, the arrested suspect, Mr Jimson Erega Goufi first appeared in the Magistrate Court on Tuesday after his arrest on Monday at Malaita province.

He faces two counts of murder in relation to the incident. However, his co-suspect is still at large and police are yet to make an arrest.