Cabinet yet to decide on Chief Justice referral

Chief Secretary to Government Ivan Pomaleu has been tasked to review the process surrounding the referral of Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika to the National Executive Council by the Ombudsman Commission.

Prime Minister James Marape confirmed that Cabinet has yet to meet to deliberate on the sensitive matter, stressing that the Government is approaching the issue with caution and respect for the Constitution and the independence of the judiciary.

“It’s a matter we’re handling very diligently. We don’t want to rush,” Mr Marape said.

The Prime Minister described the case as unprecedented, noting that both the Office of the Chief Justice and the Office of the Prime Minister are equal constitutional offices within government.

“This is an unprecedented matter, and as equal heads of government, we are treating it very carefully and diligently,” he said.

Mr Marape also revealed that the State Solicitor has been asked to provide legal advice following what he described as a conclusive finding by an equally important constitutional office.

“An equally important constitutional office in the Public Prosecutor has made a conclusive finding, and so we asked the State Solicitor to look into this matter. Advice is due and pending,” he said.

He added that once the legal advice is received, Cabinet will determine what powers it has under the law and decide on the next course of action.

“As soon as the advice comes, we will look at firstly what power Cabinet has and what Cabinet can do, and then we’ll finalise the process,” Mr Marape said.