Kokoda chiefs visit Parliament for first time

SEVEN people from rural Kokoda local level government area in Northern visited Parliament for the very first time yesterday.
They included three chiefs: Michael Ukuto of Chivama clan, and Boniface Aruo and Lawrence Umbu of Kaiwembo clan.
They were accompanied by four community leaders, including a ward councillor.
All seven had trekked across the Kokoda Trail to get to Port Moresby.
They toured Parliament chambers and gallery, had lunch with Sohe MP Henry Amuli, and visited their district office.
“This is something I didn’t think would be possible for me,” Aruo said.
“It’s an experience that I personally will hold on in life.
“It gives us an understanding of how Parliament operates.
“We truly value the things that we have learned and experienced here.”
Amuli said the Office of Sohe Open belonged to the people and he was only the custodian.
“These people are chiefs and leaders who played an important role by providing leadership on the ground in their respective communities,” he said.
“It is only fitting that they come here and see their office and how Parliament operates.
“It gives them a sense of being part of the bigger Government leadership system in the country.”