Government plans fitting farewell for Sir Michael

The National Government will give a chiefly farewell to the country’s first Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare when he pulls down his political carrier in nine months’ time, after 48 years in politics.

That was the guarantee from Prime Minister Peter O’Neill when speaking to the people of East Sepik who converged to Yangoru Station to witness launching of the Sepik Chicken, Grain and Cocoa projects on Wednesday.

Sir Michael who is the longest serving parliamentarian in the Commonwealth had already announced that this will be his last term serving the people of East Sepik.      

O’Neill speaking in Tok Pisin said he knows the father of the nation will retire and he urged Sepiks not to worry because the national government will send him out of politics in a dignified manner.

Yes, sampla time lapun sa kros wantaim me, em papa yah em iken koros, mi hamamas lo em mi inogat belhevi long em (Yes, sometimes the old man is angry with me because he is like a father to us all, I do not have ill feelings towards him).”

Prime minister’s comments followed appeal by East Sepik Deputy Governor Ian Samuel for the O’Neill- Dion government to acknowledged Sir Michael’s contribution to the country in politics.

He also appealed to the prime minister to release the outstanding K21 million for the province for the outgoing governor to complete his projects before retiring.

Some of the projects are the Frieda River Mine, Wewak General Hospital maintenance, hydro-electricity, and others.        

Caption: Prime Minister Peter O’Neill yesterday in Yangoru Station, Yangoru Saussia District, East Sepik Province.  

Author: 
Charles Yapumi