Govt urged to honour Sir Pita

THE Government has been urged to honour the legacy of the late Sir Pita Lus, says Yangoru-Saussia MP Richard Maru.
Sir Pita was an outspoken Papua New Guinean politician who played an important role in country’s Independence in 1975, and was credited with having persuaded Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare to run for public office.
“One of the saddest things I want to state today, in front of our nation, is the legacy of Sir Pita Lus,” Maru said.
“Sir Pita is the man who convinced Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare to stand, he was in Parliament even longer than Sir Michael.
“Today, after his funeral, there’s nothing to remember him for and so today, I want to ask you – Prime Minister James Marape – on behalf of the people of Maprik, for your government to fund the Sir Pita Lus School of Excellence in Maprik, starting in next year’s budget, so we would live forever a memory of the late Sir Pita Lus.
“We really want to ask our Government today, through you, prime minister, that we must leave behind a legacy for Sir Pita.”
Maru said the generations after would remember the contribution of this great man of Maprik in the history of the country.
He said people had changed and gave it to MP Lipert Kapris’ father, the late Gabriel Kapris, and they’ve honoured the son, meaning they really want to change.
“I want to thank the people of Maprik for their confidence in the People’s First Party,” Maru said.
Maru made these remarks during the swearing in of newly-elected Maprik MP Libert and re-elected member for Sohe, Henry Amuli .