Ghate: Seat is not anyone’s birthright

By REBECCA KUKU
FORMER Daulo MP Pogio Ghate says it was not his birthright or that of anyone else to claim the Eastern Highlands seat.
He made the comment shortly after he was excluded from the count for Daulo Open in the General Election 2022 (GE22).
Ghate said that the people had spoken through the ballot to elect new leader.
“It’s not my birthright or anyone else’s to claim the seat and I respect the other contestants and I wish them luck,” he said.
“I also thank Prime Minister James Marape for visiting the district, and the portfolio given to me despite the short period of time and for having confidence in my leadership.”
Ghate said he had done his best to deliver services to the people of his district in his term as MP.
He said his last two years in office were fruitful under the Pangu government although he said a number of years had been wasted in court cases over the seat.
“I did what I can to the best of my ability in service delivery despite many challenges, including the impact of the Coronavirus outbreak,” he said.
“I have no regrets and will move on with my life as a free man.”
Ghate also thanked his supporters for maintaining peace and order despite false accusation, critics and violence in Daulo electorate.
He congratulated his successor and those who retained their seats as well as the other newly elected MPs.