Sam Basil Jnr to contest Bulolo

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By BRADLEY MARIORI
THE United Labour Party (ULP) is fielding Sam Basil Jnr to defend Bulolo for the party in the general election, ULP deputy leader Koni Iguan says.
“This is to honour and respect the Deputy Prime Minister late Sam Basil,” he announced at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae on Wednesday night.
Among a packed crowd at the stadium, where Basil’s casket lay in state, were Prime Minister James Marape, Lae MP John Rosso, Morobe Governor Ginson Saonu, Yangoru-Saussia MP Richard Maru.
Iguan said it was the wish of the people of Wau and Bulolo that one of his (Basil’s) son must contest in honour of him.
“This is not from the selfish heart of ULP but in remembrance of Basil as a leader (and party founder),” he added.
Iguan said: “Basil’s wish is to have one of his sons captain the plane.
“That was why he sent Basil Jnr to New Zealand to be trained as a pilot.
“He completed his studies, got certified to fly and last month, called his dad and said he will return home to celebrate his achievement with the family.
“However, he returned home to an untimely death of his father.”
Marape said his late deputy was a leader who excelled in both sides of the Parliament.
He said ULP’s endorsement of Sam Basil Jnr to contest the election was appreciated.
“My Pangu Pati will not contest Bulolo.
“Pangu will give its full support to Basil Jnr,” he added.


Marape warns of life in jail for illegal possession of guns

Dangerous ride … People including children overloading a truck of a candidate in Port Moresby yesterday. National Capital District Metropolitan Superintendent Gedion Ikumu, on Tuesday, urged candidates and supporters to be mindful of traffic rules when going for nominations. He said overloading vehicles could lead to accidents. He said candidates should manage their supporters and be observant of the laws by avoiding situations that could lead to trouble during the nomination and poling period. – Nationalpic by KENNEDY BANI

By REBECCA KUKU in Tari
PRIME Minister James Marape has warned people with guns not to interfere with the election process.
He said the Government had passed laws to ensure that those caught in illegal possession of guns would be put away for life in prison. “Police and Defence teams have already been deployed to provide security and ensure a safe environment for people to vote in this year’s election,” Marape said.
He made this comments after filing his nomination for the Tari-Pori seat in Tari yesterday.
Marape also called on the people of Tari-Pori not to attack returning officers and assistant returning officers in the province.
“They are here only to facilitate the process,” he said.
“Respect the process.”
Hela election manager John Tipa also told the people that returning officers were only there to facilitate the election process.
Tipa said that election was for the people and said that only the people had the power to give the mandate to leaders to represent them through ballot papers.
“You alone will decide through the votes you cast.”
“There will be 81 polling sites throughout the province.
“Cast your votes and let the ballot paper speak,” he said.