Outrage on why Donigi not given state funeral

 By GABRIEL FITO

A COMMUNITY leader in East Sepik has questioned why the national and provincial governments failed to accord lawyer Peter Donigi a state funeral.

Former councillor Henry Befou also questioned why there was no proper protocol arranged to receive the body in Wewak and deliver it to his village.

He said Donigi had contributed much to the nation since independence and worked in various capacities to protect the sovereignty of the country.

Befou was angry when he saw only the Donigi family accompanied by former Mining and Petroleum secretary Joe Gabut and Sepik lawyer Alois Jerewai to take the body home for burial.

“We know our brother died for the sake of the people of PNG,” Befou said.

“We are not happy.”

No comment could be obtained from the provincial or national governments.

Pr Anthony Donigi thanked Jerewai, Gabut, Dr Andrew Moutu and others who supported the family during the funeral.