Sir Michael: I shall return

Source:
The National, Wednesday 16th 2012

By GABRIEL FITO

GRAND Chief Sir Michael Somare will contest the general election and return to parliament – but only for a short time.
He has assured the people of East Sepik that he would contest the general election.
If not for anything else, he wants to prove to the “rogue government” that it did not have the power to remove him as the East Sepik regional member.
Sir Michael told a gathering at his family residence in Wewak yesterday that because of the very strong backing from the people to nominate him again for the seat, he would return to parliament to prove Peter O’Neill and Belden Namah wrong.
He mentioned the humiliating treatment he received last August and his subsequent removal as East Sepik MP.
The East Sepik National Alliance branch also held a radio talk back show on Monday night in which callers urged Sir Michael to return to parliament and form the next government.
Wewak rural local level government president Francis Hevu and Sepik Council of Chiefs chairman Eric Wangihao reaffirmed the people’s confidence in Sir Michael’s leadership.
They said while the East Sepik people respected his family’s decision to retire Sir Michael, the manner in which he was treated by the O’Neill government was demeaning and he must return for the last time to get even with them.
Sir Michael said he would put his hands up when nomination opens on Friday.
But he said he would be there for only a short time before handing over the leadership to a young and capable leader.
“This time, I will return to parliament for the 11th time to put the house in order, correct flaws in the constitution created by the illegal government and ensure that PNG remain united as one people and one country,” he said.
“For PNG to remain united is the pride I will always live with and die.”