Governor General

Sogovare and his delegation arrived in Port Moresby on Monday.

The Governor-General and Sogovare discussed several issues including the Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting, peace and security in the region, Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER plus), education and trade relations between PNG and Solomon Islands.

An official from Government House confirmed with Loop PNG today that June is the confirmed month the vice-regal of Papua New Guinea will travel to England to be knighted.

The former three-term parliamentarian took his oath of loyalty to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea and the Queen of England before Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia in Parliament on January 28.

Dadae is the country’s 10^th  Governor General and will serve the vice-regal office for six years.

The late broadcaster was ill for some time and passed away last weekend.

“The late Hau’ofa was one of the great icons of radio broadcasting in the history of our country, having served in the industry for more than 50 years,” said Dadae.

“He was a great advocate of democracy in promoting freedom of expression on his famous Talk Back show on Kalang radio and now FM100.

“The late Hau’ofa connected well with ordinary people across the nation in debating issues of national importance.

He was accorded the honor from the PNGDF ceremonial guards and a combine band from the three disciplinary forces.

Waiting at the stairs of the parliament to welcome him was PNGDF Commander Brigadier General, Albert Toropo, Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia, Opposition leader Don Polye with his wife and Prime Minister Peter O’Neill accompanied by his beautiful wife.

Dadae was then escorted into the chamber to be officially sworn in.

While in the chamber, Dadae make an oath to serve the Queen Elizabeth II and her heirs and the people of Papua New Guinea.

The funeral of the 75-year-old vice regal will be held at St Mary’s Cathedral in Port Moresby starting at 10am, and led by Cardinal Sir John Ribat.     

Late Sir Michael died at the Government House State residence on February 19.

He assumed office on February 25, 2011.

Sir Michael is survived by his wife Lady Esmie Ogio, five children and eight grandchildren.

Sir Michael passed away last weekend.

In a statement Zeming described the late Sir Michael as humble and easy going person.

“I came to know Ogio in our time as Cabinet Minister’s and as Members of the People’s Democratic Movement party.

“He was a humble person and easy to get along with. He was also fatherly figure whose counsel and advice was always relied on in Cabinet and in party room, especially when there were disagreements on policy implementation.”

“Who I have known for over 30 years as a fellow professional in the accountancy field, he is a carrier man, practiced accountancy with the Lutheran Church and also he comes with strong Christian principles from that background,” O’Neill said in Parliament.      

Dadae was a member of the O’ Neill led PNC party in this term of Parliament and serving MP for Kabwum when elected to the post by parliament on Wednesday.

Dadae made this comment in Parliament on Thursday, in his last Parliament sitting as an elected Member of Parliament.

He was serving as the MP for Kabwum of Morobe Province when Parliament gave him the mandate ahead of Edward Ranu Diro and Timothy Bonga on Wednesday.    

Dadae thanked the people of Kabwum for giving him the mandate to serve them in the last 15 years.

“It’s not by chance of mistake but the mandate is because of the experience I have.

Sir Vuatha closes the curtain on a 22-year distinguished career as the Official Secretary for four different Governor Generals.

The ceremony was witnessed by the Governor General, Sir Michael Ogio and Lady Esmie Ogio, Government officials, staff of Government house and relatives and friends.

Sir Michael said he admired his outgoing Secretary for practicing principles of Christianity, integrity, and reputation as Official Secretary.

And he commended his wife, Lady Vuatha, for her support to him during his tenure.

They met various dignitaries including heads of states and royalties at a formal welcome reception hosted by Crown Prince of Tonga Prince Tupouto’a Ulukalala at Nuku’alofa, Tonga recently.

Pictured is the Governor General and Lady Ogio meeting with Tonga’s Crown Prince Tupouto’a Ulukalala and Crown Princess Sinaitakala, New Zealand Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae and Lady Janine, Governor General of Australia Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lady Cosgrove, and Crown Prince of Japan Prince Naruhito.