Boito appointed PDM leader

 By SAMUEL RAITANO

THE People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) Party has declared Obura-Wonenara MP John Boito as its new parliamentary leader, replacing former leader and North Bougainville MP Michael Ogio who has been elevated to Governor-General.

Party president Paul Mawa formally announced the appointment yesterday in the presence of other PDM MPs and executives during a press conference at Ela Beach Hotel in Port Moresby.

The appointment follows last Friday’s election of former PDM strongman and leader Ogio as the new Governor-General after beating rival Sir Pato Kakaraya, 68-23.

Boito was announced the new parliamentary wing leader for PDM, in the presence of Central Bougainville MP Jimmy Miringtoro, Kirwina- Goodenough MP Jack Cameron and other party executives. 

On behalf of the PDM MPs, national executives and supporters of the party, Mawa thanked the sidelined Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, acting Prime Minister Sam Abal, National Alliance (NA) members, leaders and MPs of other coalition partners in government for having confidence in PDM as a solid partner in the current coalition government, and for supporting one of its members to be the new head of state.

Boito said he would pick up from where Ogio left and that PDM would remain with NA-led government until 2012.