Bougainville President John Momis Photo: supplied
In his last speech in the Bougainville parliament on Thursday, President John Momis spoke passionately about a political career that began nearly 50 years ago.
He spoke of how it began in the early seventies when he was anointed by chiefs in Kieta in a cultural ritual and sent on a mission to help the people determine their own future.
President Momis said the success to date of the peace process is down to the unity, creativity and productivity of the people.
"We are very lucky, although we face a lot of challenges, but we have also been very creative, productive and despite the differences we have worked together to achieve so much," he said.
The President also spoke of the coming consultations on the result of the Bougainville referendum, where the new ABG government will have to consult with the national government.
He called the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, James Marape, a responsible leader, who recognises the Bougainville issue is a national issue.
Mr Momis encouraged both governments to continue to work together.
The two term president said he will "bow out with a sense of fulfilment and a sense of gratitude that the Almighty has seen fit to ask me and you, mere humans, to share in his creative power to create something new."