Prime Minister James Marape has described the late Morobe Governor Hon. Luther Wenge as “Papua New Guinea’s constitutional defender” and pledged that his government will honour the legacy and unfinished work of the outspoken Morobean leader.

Speaking at Governor Wenge’s state funeral service today, Prime Minister 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.

“Governor Wenge was an advocate for the maintenance of the Constitution of our country. He was a constitutional defender,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“If there is any one or two words that we want to remember Governor Wenge for, it is his total commitment to the defence of our country’s Constitution.”

Prime Minister Marape also urged young leaders and Papua New Guineans at large to draw lessons from Governor Wenge’s unwavering faith in the Constitution. “Every one of us must learn from Governor Wenge that our meeting place is the Constitution,” he said. “When he was aggrieved by a decision of government, he did not pick up a gun or a stone— he went to court. Through Section 18 and Section 19 constitutional references, he taught leaders, students, and citizens alike that if your rights are breached, the proper place to seek redress is in the courts. That is his greatest legacy to us — respect for due process and judicial interpretation.”

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

“He served in many capacities, including as leader of the Governor’s Council. He chaired many parliamentary committees since 1997 up until his passing. His was a voice we will miss greatly,” PM Marape said.

Legacy Projects for Morobe

PM Marape also outlined several key projects and initiatives championed by Wenge which his government would ensure were delivered in his honour.

Among them were:

•          The Wafi-Golpu Project – “His handprint, footprint, and blueprint are written all over the agreement,” PM Marape said, adding that no less than 10 per cent of total project earnings would flow back to Morobe, including landowners.

•          Hidden Valley Mine – Wenge had been instrumental in the early agreements for Hidden Valley during his first terms as governor, and more recently supported the licence extension.

•        Special Government Structure for Morobe – Wenge had submitted a proposal

for a federated arrangement of autonomy for Morobe, reflecting its size and economic importance. “This will not be abandoned,” PM Marape assured.

•          Relocation of Tutumang to Nadzab – The Governor’s plan to move the Morobe provincial headquarters to Nadzab as part of the Nadzab City development would continue.

“These projects and concepts will not be left aside. They will be carried forward to honour his vision for Morobe and for the country,” PM Marape said.

A Leader Who Advocated Decentralisation

The Prime Minister also reflected on Wenge’s belief in decentralisation and empowerment of provinces, noting his advocacy for Hela, Jiwaka, Bougainville, and Morobe.

“He believed that power must be shared and people must have presence of localised leadership,” PM Marape said. “That was the essence of his advocacy – to bring governance closer to the people.”

Personal Tribute

In an emotional moment, PM Marape recalled one of his last personal interactions with Wenge in Parliament, when the Governor introduced one of his sons to him.

“He said, ‘Prime Minister, this son was conceived as I stood to fight for Hela Province.’ That was the sort of man he was – a national leader who built bridges across provinces,” PM Marape recounted.

He described Wenge as a “patriarch, a big brother, someone very close to me since 1997,” and thanked his family for sharing him with the country despite the sacrifices that public life demanded.

Scripture and Final Farewell

PM Marape closed his tribute by reading from Ecclesiastes 12, offering words of comfort to Wenge’s children and family.

“Our leader has found his eternal home. His body returns to the earth, but his spirit lives on. We will honour him in the ideals, values, and projects that he stood for,” he said.

The Prime Minister committed that the government would deliver the outstanding projects tied to Wenge’s leadership “to honour the legacy and spirit of this great man.”

“May God rest you in eternal peace, Governor Luther Wenge – defender of our country’s Constitution,” PM Marape concluded.