Dagua LLG first in East Sepik to swear in leaders

Dagua LLG support staff and ward members after the swearing-in ceremony. At the centre is LLG President Gerald Wakuku, with Public Solicitor Lawyer Angelus Koraino on his left and East Sepik DPA District & LLG Affairs Godfried Raushem on his right. Photo by NBC Radio East Sepik. (Image: Supplied)

Dagua Local Level Government [LLG], in Wewak District, East Sepik Province, is the first LLG to see its newly elected President and Ward Members sworn in at the East Sepik Provincial Assembly.

President Gerald Wakuku, together with 16 Ward Members, officially took their oath of office in a ceremony witnessed by Public Solicitor Lawyer Angelus Koraino. Of the 16 Ward Members, 12 are newly elected while 4 were re‑elected, signalling both continuity and fresh leadership. President Wakuku also enters office as a newly elected leader.

The event was facilitated by Dagua LLG Manager Justin Karin, through the Office of the Deputy Provincial Administrator for District & LLG Services.

During the ceremony, Counsel Koraino appealed to the leaders to carry out their duties without conflict of interest, urging them to protect their integrity and the trust of the people who mandated them.

Deputy Provincial Administrator Raushem reinforced this message, reminding the leaders that each ward will depend on their wisdom and guidance. He emphasised that Local Level Government is the third tier of government and plays a vital role in national development.

The swearing‑in of Dagua LLG leaders sets a precedent for other LLGs across East Sepik Province, as communities anticipate effective leadership and strengthened local governance.