Pastor: Let Sir Michael decide

SIR Michael Somare should be accorded respect as “the father of the nation” and be allowed to bow out of politics in his own time, a clergyman says.
Goroka pastor Peter Ropra requested Peter O’Neill and Belden Namah not to force Sir Michael out but instead let him complete his term in parliament and bow out in grace.
Ropra said even though Sir Michael was no longer the East Sepik Regional MP, he should be allowed to pass on the mantle to them as a gesture of respect and goodwill.
He said the Grand Chief should see the writing on the wall and despite the court decision reinstating him, “it is clear through the actions of MPs and the people’s support for the O’Neill-led government that his popularity is waning”.
“The fact that the majority of MPs are with O’Neill and Namah indicates that Grand Chief Somare, although a seasoned politician, has to concede and have the humility to leave politics.”
Ropra urged the younger MPs in the Somare camp to allow Sir Michael to make his own decisions about his future in politics and related matters.
“Power, though, should not wrested off him but there should be a consensus somewhere where Grand Chief Sir Michael voluntarily passes on the mantle of authority to O’Neill and Namah and an amicable solution is reached.”