Prime Minister pays tribute to the Late Morobe Governor Luther Wenge
Prime Minister James Marape has described late Morobe Governor Luther Wenge as a true patriot, constitutional defender, and one of the last of Papua New Guinea’s first generation of nation-builders as he paid his final tribute yesterday at the State Funeral Service at Sir Ignatius Kilage Indoor Stadium in Lae.
Gathered at the stadium were thousands of mourners, including dignitaries, government leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, church leaders, and citizens from across the nation, where Mr. Marape addressed the late governor as the most enduring and principled leader who carried the nation from dreams of Independence into realities of statehood.
“He was a public constitutional defender who never resorted to violence or tribal confrontation and always turned to the law to seek justice," the prime minister said.
Prime Minister Marape described the late Governor as one of the most fearless defenders of Papua New Guinea’s Mama Law, a man who placed the Constitution above all else, even in the face of political pressure or popular opinion.
Mr Marape said Governor Wenge’s legal background and deep conviction in the rule of law defined his decades of public life, first as a lawyer, and as a politician.
"Late Governor Wenge embodied the spirit and hallmark of a civilized democracy who never saw leadership as power but as responsibility and when disputes arose, he went to court and trusted the institution of law."
“Governor Wenge lived a life of true servanthood while putting his country first, Morobe second, his family last, and every ounce of his energy was devoted to public service," he said.
The Prime Minister thanked the immediate family for sharing a husband, father, brother and son with the rest of Papua New Guinea and he assured the family that Wenge's legacy would live on in the hearts of those he served.
Late Wenge stood as a towering figure among other Morobe's sons and daughters who helped build this nation and we also respect their legacy.
"It is now our duty to finish some tasks he left incomplete and dreams unfulfilled and finish what he began, " he said.
He cited several key initiatives that Governor Wenge had championed including the relocation of the Tutumang Provincial Headquarters, the continuation of the Lae–Kabwum road works under Connect PNG, and the Pastors Assistance Program, which supported rural churches and pastors in their community service.
Prime Minister Marape added that the National Government would ensure that the Connect PNG Road network extends from Lae to Kabwum and connects to reflecting on the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
"The least we can do, as those who remain, is to pick up where they left off, carry the good work forward, lay aside divisions, and build Morobe and Papua New Guinea with unity and purpose," PM Marape added.
He likened the moment to his own experience with the late Hela Governor Anderson Agiru, recalling Agiru’s final words to him as some jobs were left for them to do when they are gone.
“Goodbye, my big brother rest now in peace, thank you for your love and care for your people, for your province, and for your country. May your legacy endure, and may Papua New Guinea prosper because of men like you.” PM Marape said as he led the nation into a final farewell.