Sir Michael hailed for loyal service

BOB Dadae, pictured,  has praised the man who he is going to replace as governor-general for his commitment to serving the nation despite his ill-health.
Dadae, who will be sworn in Parliament on Tuesday, said he was expecting the late Sir Michael Ogio to formally hand over the reins to him.
“It’s very sad,” Dadae told The National after viewing the body of his predecessor at Government House yesterday.
“It’s a pity that he didn’t complete his (six-year) term.
“It was just six or seven days before his term expired.
“What really makes me think about him is that even although he was not in good condition – he was going through pain, suffering and illness – he never gave up in serving his country. He went to the end of his journey.
“He was still serving when called by the Lord.
“There are many people in this world and in this country, who when ill, want to take leave.
“He never did that.
“I salute him and commend him highly for that.”
Dadae said Sir Michael’s example gave him strength “to take the role and the responsibility seriously, whatever the circumstances may be, to hold the nation at heart and to serve”.
“It’s a call to serve the people, serve the voiceless, the people who cannot talk for themselves,” he said.