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Momis bows out with 'sense of fulfilment'

John Momis & mic
John Momis today - guided Bougainville through some stormy seas to the threshold of independence
John Momis as a young man (Douglas Oliver)
John Momis as a young leader, 1970 - mature and already wise 

NEWS DESK
| Radio New Zealand

AUCKLAND - In his last speech in the Bougainville parliament last Thursday, president John Momis spoke passionately about a political career that began nearly 50 years ago.

He spoke of how it began in the early seventies when he was anointed by chiefs in Kieta in a cultural ritual and sent on a mission to help the people determine their own future.

Dr Momis said the success to date of the peace process is down to the unity, creativity and productivity of the people.

"We are very lucky, although we face a lot of challenges, but we have also been very creative, productive and despite the  differences we have worked together to achieve so much," he said.

The president also spoke of the coming consultations on the result of the Bougainville referendum, where the new Autonomous Bougainville Government will have to consult with the Papua New Guinea national government.

He called PNG prime minister James Marape a responsible leader, who recognises the Bougainville issue is a national issue.

Dr Momis encouraged both governments to continue to work together.

The two term president said he will "bow out with a sense of fulfilment and a sense of gratitude that the Almighty has seen fit to ask me and you, mere humans, to share in his creative power to create something new."

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arthur williams

Gotta be a great man to divide a nation!
I got elected MA not long after Father Momis had been visiting his New Ireland home where I think he had been adopted in childhood (may be incorrect??) After that his car got held up for a time by PPP supporters.
Payback came when after our meeting at Sir J’s home near Namatanai perhaps because I was an Independent, I was lucky to leave early in the first car. The 2nd and 3rd got road blocked for hours . Premier Robert Seeto and other MAs were made to stand around through the night. All parties physically unharmed in both hijacks.
Incidentally the night I was elected had a meeting in an unlit room with Seeto’s replacement Pedi Anis and his cohorts. They unsuccessfully tried to persuade me to join the MA/PANGU coalition that stole the Provincial government. My failure to concede to their plans caused me problems for months including being assaulted by the NIP Speaker. Grass roots politics NIP style

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