Loyal to the end

By MARK HAIHUIE
THE late Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio has been hailed by son Benedict as a great national leader and a committed father to his family and others he had helped raise. Sir Michael passed away on Saturday afternoon in Port Moresby – seven days before the expiry of his term as the country’s vice-regal.
He was 75.
He had been sick for a while and recently returned from medical treatment at a hospital in Australia.
The death certificate signed by Dr Mathias Sapuri of the Pacific International Hospital stated that Sir Michael died of liver failure, kidney failure and cardiopulmonary failure.
Benedict Ogio said his late father was always nice and open to everyone.
“Being my father and also a leader, I will remember him as being open to everyone,” Ogio said.
“He was not just my father but a father to everyone.
“He was always welcoming to all and raised others.
“They were not only Bougainvilleans but (people) from all over Papua New Guinea as well.”
Ogio told The National that Sir Michael was committed to the nation in his long political career.
“He actually started off as a primary school teacher and then he went up to being the senior inspector for primary schools,” he said.
“That was in the 70s I can recall.
“After that, he went into politics for the then Bougainville government.
“From there, he left the provincial level and went onto the national level during which he served four terms before becoming the governor-general.
“He is leaving behind a gap for Bougainvilleans, especially in North Bougainville where you will see that a lot of people have spoken good things about my father.
“He has passed on leaving that legacy behind.
“Bougainville needs leaders like him for the future of our people.
“There is a need for upcoming leaders to be like that.”
He said one hauskrai would be held at the Five-Mile residence in Port Moresby and the other will be held at Government House.