Parliament Speaker Theo Zurenuoc thanked the people of East Sepik Province for mandating Sir Michael Somare to serve consecutively for 49 years as a politician.
That was the Speaker’s farewell message to the retiring East Sepik Governor and Papua New Guinea’s first Prime Minister in Parliament today.
“Even my own intense, will fall short of describing the man, Papua New Guineans, young and old came to know as the ‘Father of the Nation’ or papa bilong kantri,” Zurenuoc said.
“A man, whose impeccable accomplishments and reputation towers above all of us individually and collectively.
“In this juncture, I would like to pay a special tribute to special people who made him become a national icon (and) a legendary politician.
“Congratulations to the people of East Sepik, who you have mandated the Grand Chief in all other elections since the second House of Assembly in 1968, when Grand Chief first got elected.
“On behalf of the People of Papua New Guinea, I pay respect and thank you all for the wisdom and patience for recognising a leader and continuously returning him to Parliament.
“It is undeniable that when we talk about the Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s retirement we will definitely mention East Sepik and Papua New Guinea.”
The Speaker also asked Parliament to stand and acknowledged the support of Lady Veronica Somare who had supported Sir Michael throughout their lives together.
The farewell of Sir Michael was the only business of the final session of the 9th parliament before it rose for the last time in this five year term.
(File picture)