Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Lawyers in fray
NGO’s want Sir Salamo suspended, O’Neill maintains stance
The standoff between the Judiciary and the O’Neill- Namah Government over the position of Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia continued into its fifth day.
Yesterday, Prime Minister O’Neill maintained that Sir Salamo remained suspended over allegations of misconduct in office but the judges of the National and Supreme Court remained firm behind their leader.
In another development, some 200 lawyers who are members of the PNG Law Society held a meeting yesterday at the University of Papua New Guinea to discuss the issues surrounding the Judiciary and the Government. It is expected that they will make known their position on the matter today.
In yet another development, a non-government organisation rallied behind the O’Neill Namah Government and called for the suspension of Sir Salamo should the allegations of misconduct in office against him is proven.
At a gathering at Waigani, spokesman for the group, Noel Anjo said a protest will be staged where they will present a petition to the Government.
The judges, in a show of support for Sir Salamo, followed their leader in a ceremony to mark the start of the legal year yesterday, Leading his brother judges, Sir Salamo led the procession to the Christian Life Centre Church at Tokarara.
At the CLC Church area, the parade hosted by members of the three disciplinary forces, came to a halt in which the host Brigadier General Agwi invited the Chief Justice to inspect the parade.
Sir Salamo then delivered a short but very strong message to everyone on the importance of upholding the Constitution and doing the right thing for the seven million people of PNG.
“All of us have a duty, the disciplinary forces, Judiciary, Public Servants we all have a task to perform .. that we must faithfully and diligently discharge our duties to uphold the Constitution.”
He also stated that this year will be an important year for the country with the National Elections in June. He said as for the Judiciary, they are prepared and ready to play their part in solving disputes that may arise before and during the polling right up to the declarations and after the elctions.
Sir Salamo also praised the PNGDF’s participation in the legal year opening saying while it’s a tradition for law enforcing agencies and the Judiciary the participation of the PNGDF and their Commander was a sign of respect to the Constitution in which the Judiciary is established.

No comments:

Post a Comment