By Aloysius Laukai
Former Bougainville national parliamentarian and runner-up in
the ABG presidential by-election last year, Sam Akoitai, has announced he will
not contest the 2010 ABG election.
Mr Akoitai was the Member for Central Bougainville and
Mining Minister in the last national government until his defeat at the 2007 national
election.
Speaking at a meeting of Wakunai chiefs attended by ABG president
James Tanis, Mr Akoitai said he would not contest the presidential seat and
appealed to his supporters to give their votes to Mr Tanis.
He said President is a young energetic and talented
politician who deserves a full five year term in office. He said Mr Tanis had
proven his worth and delivered services to his people.
Mr Akoitai said he is happy with the president’s vision on building
a cooperative relationship with the national government and other institutions.
The former member said he would be working closely with the
president who, since being elected, had achieved a lot to bridge the gap
between former warring parties.
The two leaders will attend the Panguna reconciliation
tomorrow.
Sam Akoitai should be applauded by all for his mature and statesman like decision to support James Tanis.
Floowing Sam Akoitais example if the people would now start to look amongst themselves for candidates for the next election so they can then elect true representatives, chosen for their wisdom, rather than promises of what they might bring, Bougainville will truly be in a position to march forward.
Tim
Tim
Posted by: Tim | 23 October 2009 at 03:05 PM