Sir Pato and Ogio qualify

Critics say it’s a plot

 

By ISAAC NICHOLAS

 

THE deadline for nominations for the governor-general’s post lapsed at 4pm yesterday with only two candidates confirmed, The National reports.

It was understood that government candidate Michael Ogio and Sir Pato Kakaraya were the only nominees who would go through the secret ballot tomorrow.

Parliament would resume at 10am.

The nominations would go through thorough screening today to ensure all requirements were met before tomorrow’s elimination process.

Ogio is the current member for North Bougainville and is also higher education minister. He would automatically quit his job as MP and minister if he is successful. The win would also mean Ogio losing his parliamentary leadership of PDM.

Critics said the move was a ploy to destabilise the National Alliance-led government as the governor-general would become a “rubber stamp”.

They said Ogio’s only active duty, if he wins, would be to invite the leader of the party, which wins most seats, to form government after the 2012 general elections.

Sir Pato is a pioneer politician who was voted into office in 1972.

He is also a respected Lutheran church leader.

Sir Pato was one of the first highlands MP with Sir Tei Abal to support Sir Michael Somare gain independence for PNG.

As a strong Pangu man, he also supported Paias Wingti become the first highlands prime minister.

Sir Pato was raised by the Lutheran missionaries in Siassi, and had gained the support of Morobe Governor Luther Wenge.

Sir Pato was the first environment and conservation minister and also held the works and public utilities and home affairs portfolios during his time as a politician.

Sir Pato had been contesting the GG’s post since 2002.