Father of Nation, Grand Chief Sir Somare retires from Politics

Somare

Papua New Guinea founding prime minister and East Sepik Governor Sir Michael Somare  has announced his retirement in active Politic. Sir Michael, who turns 80 next month, said he  will not be contesting next year’s general election after 48 years in politics. He broke the news in the presence of his old friends, pioneer medical doctor and politician Sir Reuben Taureka, 87, and businessman Sir Dadi Toka, 78, as well as his wife Lady Veronica.

“I’ve been a Member (MP) for a long, long time,” Sir Michael said.

“Nine parliaments I’ve completed in Papua New Guinea politics.

“I’m seeing my term (2012-2017) and finish.

“I just want to complete history to tell Papua New Guineans you can make it on your own right, you can stand up there, be counted.

“You can be elected.”

Sir Michael gave kudos to the people of East Sepik.

“Sepik people showed great faith in me, and they put me up as their member in ’68,” he said.

“I’ve completed nine Parliaments.

“That’s a history of Papua new Guinea.

“No one else in the country can claim that fame, I can.

“Mr (Peter) O’Neill and his team tried to bring the age (limit) to 70, and you retire, but they failed because there are some of us, like me, 80-year-old, who can go to the Sepik people and say, ‘vote for me’ and they’ll vote for me.

“I’m not contesting (in 2017) but it’s up to the (National Alliance) party.

“I have given the leadership to Patrick Pruaitch, it’s his job now to organise the party.

“I’m no longer interested.

“When people didn’t know anything, I came and showed them the way.

“I’ve completed my task, finished.

“It’s up to a new generation to carry on and see what you can do.”

The National/ PNG Today