The judiciary is intact, says Injia

By JACOB POK
CHIEF Justice Sir Salamo Injia yesterday assured the nation that the judiciary was intact and would continue to serve the people despite political upheavals.
“We have to stand firm and perform our duties to uphold the constitution with integrity and dignity,” he told the legal fraternity at the opening of this legal year at the Bethel Tabernacle Centre in Waigani, Port Moresby, where the opening service was held.
Sir Salamo was suspended from his post a few weeks ago by the O’Neill-led government on allegations of misconduct in office.
But he successfully sought a stay order on the decision to dismiss him and maintained his capacity as the chief justice of legal system in the country.
This was evident yesterday when the legal fraternity which included judges, lawyers, police, warders and the defence force took part in the event.
Sir Salamo in his keynote speech thanked the PNG Defence Force for participating in the event which was the first of its kind in Port Moresby.
He said the PNGDF had never joined in past events and thanked the soldiers for participating in this year’s event with their commander, Brig-Gen Francis Agwi.
“The seven million people of this country look upon us to protect them and we have to carry out our duties diligently with honesty and respect,” he said.
He added that the judiciary was well prepared with resources and capacity to assist in any disputes that may arise in the coming elections.
The event commenced with a march led by the police band from Tokarara to the Bethel Tabernacle centre where the opening service was held.
Chief Ombudsman, Chronox Manek, CS Commissioner Martin Balthasa, PNG defence commander Agwi and Workers Union boss Michael Malabag were among others who attended the event.