Eastern Highlands leaders pay tribute to late Daulo MP

Mourners dressed in black, with mud smeared on their faces, gathered at Goroka Airport on Friday evening to welcome the body of late Daulo Member of Parliament (MP) Ekime Gorosahu, as Eastern Highlands Province paid its final respects to one of its leaders.

Obura-Wonenara MP and Minister for Agriculture John Boito, alongside Henganofi MP and senior statesman Robert Atiyafa, paid tribute to Gorosahu’s dedication to his people.

During the funeral eulogy, Boito recalled a story shared by Gorosahu’s son about his father’s concern for the people of Daulo, even during illness.

“In 2019, while seriously ill, Gorosahu said, ‘If I die today, I will not worry about anything but my people in Daulo,’” Boito recounted.

He also highlighted Gorosahu’s commitment to his duties, saying he continued carrying work documents even while confined to a wheelchair.

“Even while confined to a wheelchair, he remained dedicated to his duties, continuing to carry his work documents and serve the people of Daulo,” Boito said.

Meanwhile, Atiyafa urged Eastern Highlands residents to respect and appreciate their leaders while they are alive, rather than wait until their passing to recognise their worth.

“Let us appreciate our leaders while they are alive instead of accusing them or speaking hurtful words against them,” Atiyafa said.

Other Provincial Executive Council members, including Governor Simon Sia, Okapa MP Sonoma Saki and local-level government presidents, also paid their tribute to Gorosahu.

The late Gorosahu’s casket was escorted to the Provincial Miruso House of Assembly, where it was formally handed over by the National Parliament to the Provincial Executive Council and then to Daulo District representatives.

The Daulo District Development Authority will hold a formal ceremony later this week to hand over the casket to Gorosahu’s immediate family.