PEACEFUL SWEARING IN CEREMONIES AT IMBONNGU DISTRICT

BY JOE REMA

TWO Local Level Governments (LLGs) in Imbonggu District—Imbonggu Proper and Ialibu Basin—in the Southern Highlands Province officially sworn in their councillors and elected presidents on Wednesday, marking a peaceful transition of local leadership.

The peaceful conduct of both ceremonies has been widely commended as a positive sign for governance and community cooperation across the Imbonggu District.

The first swearing-in session, for Imbonggu Proper LLG, confirmed former president Tapoi Natil, who retained his seat after securing a 21–11 victory over challenger John Lazarus.
Natil thanked the Imbonggu District Administration, councillors, and the people of Imbonggu Proper for their confidence in his leadership.

“We are close to the Christmas period, and by 2026 we will have our first meeting for Imbonggu Proper LLG,” Natil said.

In the second session, Robert Dopo was elected president of Ialibu Basin LLG, defeating outgoing president Jacob Philip with a 14–8 majority.

In his inaugural address, Dopo acknowledged Imbonggu CEO Joseph Timothy, Deputy Provincial Administrator Jerry James, Senior Magistrate Vincent Pindipia, and other officials for ensuring an orderly and successful ceremony.
He also praised the people of Ialibu Basin for maintaining peace throughout the electoral process.

“The LLG election was peaceful—from nomination, polling, counting, to lobbying—without major impediment, and today’s swearing-in ceremony went smoothly,” Dopo said.

Dopo urged the 22 councillors to set aside past differences and work collectively.

“From today onward, we will build a new foundation and a new way forward so that no one will be in the Opposition,” he said. “All 22 councillors must come together and work in unity to provide robust leadership for our people.”