The Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea, Sir Gibbs Salika, has called on the National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop to enforce the Summary Offences Act.
Sir Gibbs made this strong plea at the opening of 2024 legal year yesterday.
“Lawlessness in the city is escalating immensely because the laws of the country are not being enforced. This should be a wake-up call for the NCD Governor Mr Parkop to fix this issue at hand,” said Sir Gibbs.
“The rioting on January,10, 2024, was repeated by the same group of people a few days ago and many other issues arise in the city and throughout the country, which is becoming a threat to the rule of law.
“This shows our adherence to the rule of law, which is by far weak and not working well.
“Relevant authorities should enforce the National Capital District Commissions Act to control the chewing of betelnut and its spittle all over the city, which shows lawlessness; it is disgusting.
‘Law must be enforced’
“The NCDC Act must be enforced along with the Summary Offences Act to penalise the citizens who are violating the rule of law.”
The constabulary was also urged to uphold and adhere to the rule of law in making sure citizens were helped without fear or favour from the police force.
Sir Gibbs expounded on the duty of the judicial arm of the government and explained that the judiciary was there to interpret the laws in a timely and partial manner.
He encouraged the police force to also perform their duty to execute the laws that were passed down by the government in order for the society to function.
Republished with permission from the PNG Post-Courier.
