Acting Governor General and North Bougainville MP Michael Ogio, also Minister for Higher Education, was understood to have met Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare yesterday (Wednesday) to declare his unavailability for election and to lobby for Kili to contest on behalf of the people of Bougainville.
The Government is understood to have asked for Ogio’s candidacy for the Governor General’s seat, however, he has decided against it because of political commitment to his people as North Bougainville MP.
Kili is said to have the support of all four Bougainville MPs in Ogio, South Bougainville’s Steven Kama, Central Bougainville’s Jimmy Miringtoro and Governor Fidelis Semoso as well as president John Momis.
Kili, 58, from Lemanmanu village on Buka, confirmed his availability for the Governor General’s election in an interview yesterday.
He is a Queen’s awardee, PNG Logohu medal awardee, two-time Prime Ministerial awardee, Australian Senatorial awardee and the most-trained, most-honoured, and, most-celebrated medial personnel and industry manager in Papua New Guinea.
He will need the support of another 11 MPs to meet the required 15 to be eligible to contest, however, is confident of garnering the support because of his nationwide popularity as a radio icon.
“If the people (through their MPs) want me to contest, then I will oblige,” he said.
“If anything comes to fruition, I can honestly say that I am qualified as a citizen of Papua New Guinea.
“I have the international exposure and the regional experience for the job, if the people so want me to do.
“I think I’m capable, willing and able.
“If Parliament elects me, that’s on merit.
“I have not put my hands up, but the people of Bougainville have put their hands up for me.
“Our (Bougainville) members are pushing for me, so I leave it to them.”
Ogio was not available when contacted for comment.
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