By CHRISTOPHER YANDAWAI
THE death of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare has triggered immense sadness to the lives of every citizens of Papua New Guinea including his fellow politicians of past and present as well as those that he came to experience political life during his political career.
This was largely because of his immeasurable unique political leadership that he provided since 1968 to bring PNG to where it is today.
The legacies that he leaves behind are so to speak and will live on from generation to generation, however, his political leadership is so immeasurable and will remain as huge gap in the archives of country’s political history.
All members of parliament including those who served under his leadership since 1975 up to now had described Sir Michael’s leadership in varying selective words.
Former Prime Minister and New Ireland Governor, Sir Julius Chan, in his maiden tribute speech on the floor of parliament last Thursday described Sir Michael as ‘champion, captain and someone born for higher purpose’.
Governor Chan expressed that although he worked very closely with Sir Michael to bring PNG this far, he regretted losing a champion in Sir Michael Somare.
“Somare was our captain born to fly and soar to his destiny of Papua New Guinea. He toiled more nights than me and anyone can toil,” Sir Julius said.
Even Prime Minister James Marape said Sir Michael’s shoe is so big for him and any other politician to wear and that remains as big gap for anyone to fit in.
Western Highlands Governor and former Prime Minister, Paias Wingti, was their all throughout the colonial era up until Independence Day in 1975 and has recalled that Sir Michael’s leadership was so inspirational.
“Sir Michael was a born leader full of inspiration,” Governor Wingti describes.
“He was a magnet that got all of us young men together and he started his journey to bring us this far,” Governor Wingti said.
In an emotional tone, Mr. Wingti told members of parliament during special parliament sitting last Thursday, to respect the institutions that were built by the country’s founding father, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.
“Today, I ask you all the members of parliament. We have a big responsibility for our young country. Power must be exercised with care.
“Power doesn’t mean you are a custodian of the people. Power must be exercised with care of everything we do.
“Look at this great man lying in front of us today. He lived the simple life and done all the good things.
“He was our best teacher and in his death we can only learn from him. Where we can honor him is the warning to respect our constitutions,” Governor Wingti said.
Former Prime Minister and Member for Ialibu-Pangia, Peter O’Neill, also praised late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s political leadership.
Mr O’Neill said Sir Michael served Papua New Guinea with distinction for a lifelong period of over 50 years.
He described Sir Michael as a unique man, a person who had strong belief in Christianity, customs and culture of PNG.
