Paita elected Morobe Governor as leaders call to end party politics

Governor Paita urging members of the Tutumang that he stands ready to work with them all for the good of Morobe province

Calls for unity were echoed across the floor of the Morobe Provincial Assembly or Tutumang, as all leaders were urged to end political party politics.

In a close contest, the Finschhafen MP and Our Pati leader, Reinbo Paita was elected as the new Governor of Morobe Province, edging out the Tewai-Siassi MP and Pangu Pati candidate, Dr Kobby Bomareo by a single vote, 23 to 22 during the Tutumang sitting yesterday.

Despite the slow start to proceedings, the decisive votes cast by factions aligned with both the ‘Our Pati’ and ‘Pangu Pati’ candidates sealed the outcome in Paita’s favour.

He was immediately sworn in and took his seat as the new Governor, presiding over the Assembly for the first time.

Paita’s only contender, the member for Tewai-Siassi, Dr Kobby Bomareo, congratulated his rival for his win, and called for unity against party politics

As the incumbent Governor opened the floor for remarks, Dr Kobby Bomareo, his only contender was the first to speak, congratulating his rival while cautioning against political division in the province.

“My call is to not let the province be divided amongst ‘Our Pati’ and ‘Pangu Pati’ candidates. I congratulate you, my good member for Finschhafen, let’s not allow outside influences to divide us,” Dr Bomareo said.

The Vice Minister for Mining and Bulolo MP, Sam Basil Jnr also voiced the same concern and went on to noting that Morobe had lost two key ministerial portfolios after both Paita and Bomareo resigned from their national ministries to contest the vacant governor’s seat.

“You’ve left two very important ministries that are vital to Morobe’s development. Who will now take up these roles for the benefit of the province? Leave party politics for the National Elections, don’t bring them into the affairs of Morobe Province,” MP Basil Jnr said.

The Deputy Prime Minister and member for Lae, John Rosso commended the peaceful and democratic manner in which the election was conducted, and also called on all provincial leaders to unite behind their new Governor.

“We’ve executed a democratic process and must respect the result. Divisive politics should never be practiced in Morobe, it is not our custom. In future, let’s remain united and appoint one leader with a common purpose,” Rosso said.

Governor Paita and some of the LLG Presidents and MP who voted for him

In response, Governor Paita thanked the members for their remarks and extended a hand of cooperation to all district MPs and LLG presidents, promising to focus on sustainable development in the remaining 15 months of his term.

“Me being in this chair doesn’t mean I know everything. Whether you voted for me or not, I look forward to working together with you all to tackle our challenges as one province. I will not ask why you didn’t vote for me as you’ve exercised your democratic rights. Let’s move forward together for a greater Morobe,” Governor Paita said.