PM owes Engans an apology

I am not happy Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare left Enga before formally closing the NEC meeting last week. He owes the people of Enga province an apology. The people of Enga, led by Governor Peter Ipatas, had warmly received the Prime Minister and his Cabinet ministers from the border of Enga and Western Highlands provinces to Wabag.

School children, civil servants, parents and citizens armed with flowers and banners had braved the downpour by lining the roads to greet the PM and his high-powered delegation.

They had enjoyed every moment as hosts and were looking forward to celebrating Sir Michael’s 40 years in politics at Mr Ipatas’ Irelya village last Friday. Little did they know the Grand Chief would slip away unnoticed that day.

Sir Michael T. Somare speaking to more that 30,000 people in Wabag, Enga Province during the National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting

The animals – pigs, cassowaries and goats – were not from Mr Ipatas’ farm.They were donated by Engans to commemorate Sir Michael’s 40 years in politics and also to farewell him and his team. For him to slip away without thanking his hosts was an insult.

The comments by Mr Ipatas might have hurt the Prime Minister’s feelings but that is politics. Sir Michael is boss of PNG. He should have defended himself and his Government’s decisions. He could have challenged Mr Ipatas that night itself or the next day at Mr Ipatas’ village.There was no excuse for him to slip out. Sir Michael must apologise to the people of Enga.


RPKapili


Port Moresby


Source: Editorial of The National


*** I still wonder when will the prime minister of the independent state of Papua New Guinea come out and tell the 5.6 million people of Papua New Guinea about the facts and motives why these important issues happened at the first place and why he is trying so hard to stop some of them from being pursued using his position as prime minister.

*Julian Moti case
*His deals with the shipping companies
* Acquittals on his EDF funds
* Finance inquiry
* NBF Cairns deal, and
* Others

I hope, he tells the people of Papua New Guinea before he retires from politics.