Sir Gibbs Salika has been appointed Papua New Guinea's new Chief Justice.
Sir Gibbs Salika Photo: Loop PNG
He takes over from Sir Salamo Injia whose ten year term in the role ended two weeks ago.
In announcing Justice Salika's appointment, Prime Minister Peter O'Neill said the appointment would help ensure the strength and vitality of PNG's judiciary.
Justice Salika is the longest serving judge of the National and Supreme Courts.
Mr O'Neill said he would be a strong and independent Chief Justice.
"The Chief Justice is required to administer the Judiciary independent of the Executive Government and the National Parliament as the other two arms of Government," the prime minister said.
"Through this system of governance, our nation has remained strong and unified while other countries have experienced problems."
The Prime Minister thanked the outgoing Chief Justice for his efforts.
"Sir Salamo Injia, has been a source of great stability and judicial independence over the past decade as the Chief Justice of our nation, and throughout his previous decades of service.
"As Chief Justice, he has faced many challenging and complex decisions, and has provided strong direction for our judiciary."
