Leka Nablu appointed permanent judge

 THE Judicial Legal Services Commission has appointed acting Justice Leka Nablu to be a permanent judge to serve in the National and Supreme Court for 10 years. 

Chairman of the Judicial Legal Services Commission and Attorney-General Ano Pala said the permanent appointment was to allow continuous stability in delivering justice services to the people. 

“The commission believes in gender equality and is pleased to see women performing in the higher judiciary of the country to fulfil the function of justice administration,” Pala said in a statement yesterday.

He said Nablu was appointed on a permanent basis because she possessed the required experience and was appointed on her own merits. 

“The commission was satisfied that she fulfils the requirement for permanent appointment,” Pala said.

Nablu was first appointed as an acting judge of the National Court for a one-year term on June 6, 2014. Her acting appointment was extended by a further 12 months on May 8 last year. 

Prior to Nablu’s appointment to the bench, she served as the principal legal officer with the Internal Revenue Commission for 14 years. She holds a law degree from the University of Papua New Guinea and a Masters in Law degree from the Sydney University in Australia. 

Nablu’s appointment brings the total number of local female judges to four.  The other local female judges are Justice Catherine Davani, Justice Jacinta Murray and Justice Hitelai Polume Kiele.