25/12/2023
PRESS RELEASE
HON. AIMOS JOSEPH AKEM, LAGAIP OPEN MEMBER FOR PARLIAMENT'S CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR MESSAGE.
Theme: Take Care and be Kind to Mankind
Lagaip District, Enga Province, PNG - December 25, 2023
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As the newly elected Member of Parliament for the New Lagaip District, I, Hon. Aimos Joseph Akem, wish to convey my heartfelt Christmas and New Year message to my people of the New Lagaip District, the people of Enga Province, and the people across Papua New Guinea.
As the Lagaip District approaching is a new beginning this Festive Season, I wish to extend my warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. I acknowledge that the people of Lagaip within the three main LLGs (Surinki, Kera-Lagaip, and Pilikambi) have played essential roles in mandating their leader and expressing their aspirations for progress. I declare my commitment to put aside differences and serve the entire people of Lagaip District with humility and dignity.
I, Hon. Aimos Joseph Akem, am pleased to announce that I have emerged victorious in the recent election for the position of representative for Lagaip District. The people of Lagaip have shown their overwhelming support with a total of 41,000 clean votes, demonstrating their trust and confidence in my leadership.
Of which 24,000 votes in that were the second and third preferences, that solidified the true voice of the people of Lagaip. The election results have truly reflected the will of the people of Lagaip, as they have emphatically spoken through the polls.
I wholeheartedly commit myself as the servant of the Lagaip people for the next three and a half years. It is a humbling experience to be entrusted with such a responsibility, and I am dedicated to working tirelessly to address the needs and aspirations of my Lagaip people.
I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to all my supporters and voters who have placed their faith in me.
I also extend my thanks to the former MP and your supporters for participating in a hard-fought battle that has strengthened our democratic process. Also not forgetting the other candidates and their supporters, and other previous MPs of the then Lagaip Porgera for their roles in the development of the constituency.
As we embark on this new tenure, I recognize that a new electorate warrants fresh visions and leadership. Having lived in Lagaip District for over a decade since my university days, I understand the concerns and aspirations of the grassroots level. I will be a leader who listens and represents the interests of the grassroots people in which I will dedicate myself in completing the unfinished tasks that are crucial for the development of the district. Beginning with Lagaip, followed by Surinki, and then Pilikambi, I aim to prioritize these tasks over the next three and a half years.
With that, I firmly believe that a true leader must not support gun battles or violent conflicts. I want to emphasize that I did not support the recent Surinki fights, but instead, I called for peace in the valley. In order to restore harmony and healing to those affected by the conflict, efforts have been made to establish Bel-Kol in fostering peace and harmony amongst people. It is my sincere hope that all Engan leaders will unite and work together for lasting peace in our region.
Once again, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the people of Lagaip for their unwavering support. I am committed to working diligently to fulfill the expectations entrusted to me, and I look forward to a prosperous and harmonious future for Lagaip under our collective leadership.
I, as a true Engan son myself, would like to point out to fellow Engans, and emphasize the importance of unity in combating law and order issues that have affected the province. I challenge and call for collective efforts from all Engan leaders to instill respect for the rule of law and justice for all. By joining hands and working together, I believe that the people of Enga can overcome the challenges we face and pave the way for a brighter and peaceful future for the province.
And to Papua New Guinea as a nation, I urge patriotism and a commitment to following the visionary path set by the founding father of our nation, Sir Michael Somare. I believe that the country needs young individuals who are not only passionate but also smart in moving the nation forward, regardless of its current state. I quote President John F. Kennedy, and remind everyone to ask not what the country can do for us, but rather what we can do for our country.
POLICIES I STAND FOR:
My four (4) main policies for Lagaip District are as follows.
1. Law and Order: This recognizes the importance of addressing issues of law and order in the district, and I am committed to implementing strategies to combat crime and ensure the safety of the community. Peace for all.
2. Finish the Unfinished: I acknowledge the existence of various unfinished projects in the district, and I am determined to prioritize their completion. This includes projects such as the Chicken Project, Pilikambi Hydro, Talum Farm Expansion, Laiagam Technical High School, and many others.
3. Collaboration with Councillors: I intend to work closely with the district's councillors to foster a cooperative and inclusive approach to governance. Through effective collaboration, I aim to facilitate and expedite the implementation of development initiatives of the district.
4. Rebuilding Lagaip Township: I recognize the need to revitalize and rebuild the Lagaip Township. By focusing first on the District Head Office, infrastructural development, and creating a conducive environment for businesses and the community, I aim to spur economic growth and improve the standard of living in the area.
I believe that the successful implementation of these policies will pave the way for several other development initiatives in Lagaip District. I see the importance of collaborative efforts, whereby the government, community leaders, and the people must work hand in hand to bring about meaningful and sustainable progress.
In conclusion, I wish all the people of the New Lagaip District, Enga Province, and Papua New Guinea a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous Happy New Year. I believe and hope that the coming year will be filled with peace, blessings, and a renewed spirit of unity as the community and the nation move forward towards a brighter future.
With that, always Take Care and be Kind to Mankind.
Approved For Release
HON. AIMOS JOSEPH AKEM
MP FOR LAGAIP DISTRICT*