Former town mayor files nomination

Former Town mayor for Daru, Samuel Wingu, nominated today to contest the mayor seat again, accompanied by his family and supporters, for the 2025 Local Level Government elections.

Daru residents want Wingu to take leadership of the town as he has done significant advocacy and push for the rehabilitation of the neglected town.

Samuel Wingu, who hails from Baimuru village in the Yangoru Sausia District, East Sepik Province, has been married and residing in Daru for 25 years.

He resigned as a town mayor in 2022 to contest in the general election that year.

Mr Wingu told NBC news that he stayed out for two years, however, the population in Daru had expressed their desire for him to return to office to continue pushing for the rehabilitation of Daru Town.

"The population of the town has expressed that I should return to Daru Urban and take on the leadership, as I have dedicated myself to advocating for and pushing the rehabilitation of this neglected town," he said.

"It was a regular effort I put for this town for 10 years, and now there are a lot of changes that are happening in town," he said.

Residents believe he has made significant efforts in promoting the town's recovery.

Mr. Wingu acknowledged Governor Taboi Awi Yoto, South Fly MP Sekie Agisa, and other provincial leaders for recognizing Daru as the provincial capital, a status that will soon be divided. Daru will remain the capital of the province, while Kiunga will become the capital of a new province. However, he stressed the importance of strong leadership to guide the transition effectively.

"I have paid my nomination and have listened to the wishes of the people, and I can't let them down. I feel that they need me; if I have to offer anything to the people, I have to offer to them," Wingu said.