Fueling speculation that Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner could possibly take over the post, in a surprise move, Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant yesterday resigned as Leader of Opposition Business in the House of Assembly.

Mr. Grant’s resignation also leaves the FNM to find another shadow minister of works, dual posts Mr. Grant has held for the past four years.

Grant made the relatively shocking announcement at the close of yesterday’s early House Session.

Grant cited Opposition Leader Hubert Minnis’ dissatisfaction in his performance.

“Recent events have demonstrated that my leader is uncomfortable with me and dissatisfied with my performance,” he said.

“I’m doing what honourable men would do in these circumstances and so today I wish to advise this house that I effective today will no longer serve as leader of opposition business in this place or the Shadow Minister for Works.”

A very emotional Grant thanked his parliamentary colleagues, namely Government Business Leader Dr. Bernard Nottage.

“To the member for Bain and Grants Town, Leader of Government Business I sincerely hope that excellent working relationship that you and I enjoyed would have contributed to the smooth running of this place also for the betterment of the Bahamian people who we were elected to serve.

“I sincerely hope that God will continue to bless, guide and direct you as you lead the government’s business in this house for the betterment of The Bahamian people.

Dr. Nottage added that he regrets the decision his colleague has made but he understands it and trusts that he would continue to serve the people who elected him to be here

Speaking to reporters outside the House of Assembly, Opposition Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis spoke to the decision.

 “Mr. Grant did what he thought was best. The party will do all it can to heal, unify and move forward and win the upcoming election,” he said.

Dr. Minnis did not respond when asked if he knew about Grant’s resignation prior to, as well as if his resignation hints at a domino effect or other MPs.

Reports say that position has been offered to Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner to prevent a fracture within the party.

Butler-Turner has come out on record saying she has not accepted any position and will not be bought.

 Mr. Grant is one of six MPs who’ve expressed little confidence in Dr. Hubert Minnis as leader of the opposition and threatened to write a letter to the Governor General to have Minnis removed as Opposition Leader if he did not call an early convention.