Governor-General Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae has expressed heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family of late Governor of Morobe, Luther Akusawa Wenge, following his passing last week.
Grand Chief Sir Bob described Mr Wenge as a “born leader” whose credentials as a student leader to when he became a politician spoke of a man who was not afraid to challenge fellow leaders on matters of constitutional legalities and national sovereignty.
“In my humble view, he was a born leader,” Sir Bob said. “His potential as a leader became obvious at an early age in his education path and later at the workplace before he became a politician.
“As a student, he was the school captain of Dregerhaffen High School. Later, as student leader at University of Papua New Guinea, and as president of Law Students’ Association. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree, he worked tirelessly as a public solicitor defending those who found themselves against the Laws of the nation. Later, his legal credentials elevated him to Chief Magistrate before entering politics in 1997. He was successfully elected as Regional Member for Morobe, now known as Governor. He served in that capacity as governor for three (3) terms from 1997 to 2012. He was elected as Governor for Morobe in 2022 National Elections, serving his 4th term, the longest by any Governor of the province. He is well known and credited for challenging the National Government on Constitutional matters that had serious implications for our National Sovereignty. He also spoke his mind on matters of political freedom of indigenous people in Papua New Guinea and the region.”
The Governor General added: “As a Christian member of Lutheran Church, he proudly proclaimed his faith in public, saying: ‘Born Lutheran, baptized Lutheran and die as a Lutheran’. He was active in church work as well. He was Chairman of Gerehu Lutheran Church and was later appointed as Chairman of the Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea for two terms. He worked hard, lived a simple life, and built his simple house at the periphery of Lae City and Port Moresby prior to his passing. He was a simple man with great vision for Morobe and PNG.
“Rest in Eternal Peace Songang Luther Akisawa Wenge. On behalf of Lady Emeline and my family, I convey our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of late Hon. Luther Wenge, the people of Baindoang, Samanzing, and the people of Morobe. ” IN ANUTU WE SERVE AND IN ANUTU WE WILL PROSPER” the famous quote by the late Governor of Morobe,” Grand Chief Sir Bob said.
Grand Chief Sir Bob acknowledged the late Mr Wenge for recognizing his leadership potential, which led to him being appointed Chief of Staff to Mr Wenge and later as a member of Morobe Tutumang and eventually becoming a politician and serving as Parliamentary Member for Kabwum, and now as Governor General of Papua New Guinea for a record two terms.