The Governor of the Papua New Guinea island of Bougainville, John Momis, has resigned as a Member of Parliament, after serving his people for 34 years at the national level.
Mr Momis tendered his resignation to Speaker, Jeffery Nape, in Parliament House.
Bougainvilleans living in Port Moresby have attended an informal gathering at the parliament house to honour Mr Momis and pay tribute to him.
Mr Momis will be contesting the presidential seat in the coming Autonomous Bougainville Elections.
He says there needs to be unity among all Bougainvilleans in order for the autonomous government to be successful.
Meanwhile, Mr Momis says he and his presidency rival, Joseph Kabui, have agreed to accommodate whoever loses the elections, although the constitution doesn't allow a candidate who has lost the elections the position of vice presidency.
