Chief Justice referral to be properly examined: AG

Minister for Justice and Attorney General Pila Niningi says State lawyers have been directed to examine the Ombudsman Commission’s further referral of Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika to the National Executive Council before any government decision is made.

Mr Niningi said he had yet to personally review the file and would not make further comments until legal advice is provided.

“I personally have not seen the file yet and would not comment any further on it but I have directed our senior State lawyers to properly look into it and will provide the necessary advice to the government,” he said.

He described the matter as sensitive and said all legal aspects surrounding the referral would be carefully examined.

“We will thoroughly look at all aspects of law in relation to the referral and make a proper decision,” Mr Niningi said.

The Ombudsman Commission referred Sir Gibbs to the NEC using its reserved constitutional powers after it was not satisfied with findings made by the Office of the Public Prosecutor.

The matter follows investigations into allegations concerning the Chief Justice’s conduct and leadership within the judiciary.

The Office of the Public Prosecutor had previously dropped all 50 allegations, citing insufficient evidence.

Despite that outcome, the Ombudsman Commission proceeded with the referral, saying issues raised during investigations required further consideration by the NEC.

The Commission’s use of reserved powers is considered a rare constitutional process aimed at ensuring matters of major public interest can still be reviewed independently when concerns remain unresolved.

Story by: Manda Kera