The death of Anderson Pawa Agiru – the shining star of Hela - was in deed a moment words cannot describe in the short history of Papua New Guinea politics.
Loop PNG’s Political and Business Editor FREDDY MOU reports on events after his death at the PIH. This is part three of a four-part series.
In a collective statement, the MPs expressed their desire to see the projects and commitments of the Late Governor to be continued and properly funded by the Government.
They highlighted that many of these projects are ongoing and the Government has already started implementing these for completion in Hela and the Southern Highlands.
This includes the equity option in the LNG project for landowners and Provincial Government which the late Governor had been working on.
They confirmed that the equity option will be completed to the satisfaction of all parties as agreed under the Umbrella Benefits Sharing Agreement (UBSA).
On May 11, Prime Minister Peter O'Neill and members of parliament gathered at the parliament and farewelled their colleague for the last time.
The viewing was led by the Speaker of Parliament Theo Zurenuoc, followed by the prime minister then the other MPs.
The main flag at the parliament was also lowered at half-mast.
After that, his body was taken to the Sir John Guise Stadium.
The stadium was turned into a mourning house as families and friends of late Hela Governor Anderson Agiru gathered for his funeral service.
Chairman of the Pastors Fraternity in PNG Reverend Joseph Walters while leading the funeral service challenged the leaders in attendance to put on an incorruptible seed that will change this nation.
Reverend Walters said the only cure and remedy of corruption is the Word of God.
Those in attendance include Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia, Ministers, Members of Parliament and important dignitaries.
After the funeral service the body was taken to the funeral home for the final preparation before flying off to Mendi in the morning on May 12.
Eleven planes have been chartered to fly the late Hela Governor Anderson Agiru back home to Southern Highlands and Hela from Port Moresby on May 12.
The biggest chartered plane for an event in the country.
The people of Mendi in Southern Highlands received the body of the late Hela governor Anderson Pawa Agiru peacefully as soon as the plane touched down at Mendi airport.
A guard of honour was done by the PNGDF officers while a red carpet was laid as the pall bearers carried the late Agiru out from a chartered plane.
All business houses and schools have been closed as the people prepare to receive the body of the late governor.
His longtime media advisor Frank Kolma said: “This is a first in the history of Southern Highlands and Hela where the people have received the body of a late governor peacefully.”
He said in most instances, fights and other law and order issues have been experienced when a leader is involved in a gathering.
The death of the governor has brought change to the people, Kolma stated.
After three hours in Mendi, the casket was then carried by soldiers in a slow marched towards the plane.
As soon as they were approaching the plane, heavy rain started to pour with the spirits of Southern Highlands mourning with the people.
As the plane was about to land in Tari, heavy rain pelted Tari town out from a clear blue sky for about an hour.
People and leaders braved the rain and cried as the casket left the aircraft to be transported to the main stage at Andaija oval.
Children, women and men all gathered to welcome their leader.
Part Four: National Speaker Theo Zurenouc hands over body of late Agiru
