Marape hails late Governor Wenge as Constitutional defender

Prime Minister James Marape farewelled a great defender of the constitution and committed to delivering the outstanding projects tied to his leadership to honor his legacy.

Speaking at Governor Wenge's state funeral service on Thursday, Mr Marape paid tribute to the long serving leader, lawyer, and statesman, acknowledging his immense contribution to the nation's political and legal discourse since entering Parliament in 1997.

The Prime Minister urged the people of Papua New Guinea to draw lessons from Governor Wenge's faith in the country's law.

"Everyone of us must learn from Governor Wenge that our meeting place is the Constitution," he said.

Mr Marape said his greatest legacy to PNG is to respect due processes and judicial interpretation.

"When a decision of government aggrieved him, he did not pick up a stone or a gun-he went to court and he taught leaders, students and citizens alike that if your rights are breached, the proper place to seek redress is in the courts," he said

The Prime Minister noted that late Mr Wenge's voice in Parliament had shaped national debates for decades and that he was among the most outspoken leaders in the current parliament.

The country's Prime Minister said late Wenge served in many capacities, including as leader of the Governor's Council; he chaired many parliamentary committees from 1997 up until his passing.

Mr Marape confirmed that late Wenge's projects and concepts will be carried forward to honor his vision for Morobe and for the country.

In his closing remarks, the Prime Minister thanked the late Wenge's family for sharing a great leader with the country and described him as a patriarch.