By Anthony Wagambie Jnr – NCD/Central Province Commander
I confirm that there was an incident at the Jacksons’ airport while members of the public were awaiting the departure of late Grand Chief Sir Micheal Somare from Port Moresby to Wewak, East Sepik Province.
Large number of people apparently got frustrated upon seeing that the casket carrying the body of our Great Leader was loaded into the cargo area of the chartered aircraft.
People pushed their way through to the aerodrome by taking down the security fence.
I must state, for the information of those people who were not at Jacksons Airport and our overseas friends, there was not ulterior motive to destroy property or cause any harm to properties. The crowd simply demanded that, with respect to our leader, that he not be put in the cargo area.
I thank the Somare family, especially Arthur and Sana Somare for quickly intervening and addressing the people.
It is now confirmed that the Australian Defence Force C-27J Spartan enroute to Wewak has been turned around and tasked to carry the late Grand Chief Home to Wewak.
I appeal to members of the public both in NCD and Wewak, your cries have been heard by the Government and family of late Grand Chief Sir Micheal Somare.
