PNG Prime Minister Pays Emotional Tribute to Late Governor Luther Wenge
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has delivered an emotional tribute to the late Morobe Governor, Luther Akisawa Wenge, describing him as “a true patriot, constitutional defender, and one of the last of Papua New Guinea’s first generation of nation-builders.” The Prime Minister paid his respects during the State Funeral Service at Sir Ignatius Kilage Indoor Stadium in Lae, attended by dignitaries, church leaders, and thousands of citizens from across the nation.
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| PNG Prime Minister Pays Emotional Tribute to Late Governor Luther Wenge [Photo by PM's Media] |
In his heartfelt address, Mr. Marape said the late Governor Wenge was among the generation that transformed the dream of independence into the reality of statehood. “He was a man of law and peace who upheld the Constitution in every decision he made,” Marape told mourners. “He never turned to violence or tribalism but always sought justice through the courts.”
The Prime Minister said Wenge embodied the integrity and commitment of the early Papua New Guineans who took on the challenge of nation-building under the guidance of founding leaders such as Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, Sir John Guise, and Sir Julius Chan. He reminded the gathering that men like Wenge were the pioneers who carried the country through its formative years, from classrooms and courtrooms to public offices.
Describing him as one of Papua New Guinea’s strongest defenders of the “Mama Law,” Marape said Wenge placed the Constitution above all political and personal interests. “He never saw leadership as power but as responsibility,” he said. “He stood firm even when faced with opposition because he believed no one, not even a Prime Minister, was above the law.”
Marape also paid personal tribute to Wenge’s humility and devotion to service. “He put his country first, his province second, and his family last. His entire life was one of selflessness,” he said. The Prime Minister expressed the nation’s gratitude to the Wenge family for sharing their loved one with Papua New Guinea.
He commended the people of Morobe for producing leaders who have shaped the nation, including Utula Samana, Ennie Moaitz, and Sam Basil, saying Wenge stood tall among them. “You gave this country Lae City, and you gave us Governor Wenge — a man who embodied honesty and resilience,” he said.
Reflecting on the nation’s 50th anniversary, Marape said the moment called for a renewal of the same patriotic spirit that defined Wenge’s generation. “Governor Wenge has done his part,” Marape concluded. “It is now for us to continue the work — to fix Morobe, to build Papua New Guinea, and to fulfill the dreams of our founding sons.”
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