Justice Sir Gibbs Salika

Diverse but balanced judiciary

He made this statement after the swearing-in of six newly appointed judges at the Government House on February 4th.

Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika said the judges come from a number of provinces and it is essential that they maintain balance.

“We are trying to have that balance in the Judiciary, we’re trying to identify talents from all over the country, so that we have a properly, truly representative bench made up of Papua New Guineans and not just one-sided.

“We do not want to have that; we would like to have it balanced.”

Andy Bawa's case dismissed

Bawa and his lawyers returned before Deputy Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika where an indictment on the charge of misappropriation was presented in court.

However, right after the indictment was presented, a statement of nolle prosequi was entered by the state indicating they will no longer pursue the case because they do not have enough evidence.

Sir Gibbs dismissed his case, ordering a refund of his bail monies of K1000.