By Vasinatta Yama – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Deputy Chief Justice, Sir Gibbs Salika, warned lawyers today that Papua New Guineans will no longer have faith and trust in those representing them.
He said many times cases are adjourned because lawyers delay the processes of gathering witnesses.
He made this statement after the lawyers representing the State, and Western Province Governor, Ati Wobiro, failed to gather their witnesses for trial today.
As usual, Sir Gibbs Salika’s court room was full of high profile individuals who appeared for various charges, most of which involved fraud, forgery, conspiracy, money laundering and misappropriation of power.
Justice Salika was concerned that many times when cases are adjourned, it messes the court’s calendar and judicial resources.
He said many cases are simple, but lawyers still take up time to gather witnesses for trial.
Meanwhile, two of those who appeared today in Justice Salika’s court room are current members of parliament, Western Governor, Ati Wobiro, and Bogia MP, John Hickey.
Also present were Travel Air owner Eremas Wartoto, former Police Commissioner Geoffrey Vaki and Western Province Acting Provincial Administrator, Dr. Modowa Gumoi.
All of whom had appeared for mention on February 8, with their cases adjourned until today.
However, the court, again, adjourned all cases.
For the case of Governor Wobiro and Dr Gunoi, their lawyers could not locate their witnesses to come for their trial today. Both were charged on four counts of misappropriation, conspiracy to defraud, and abuse of office.
Meanwhile, the court will decide John Hickey’s trial, come March 14. Hickey was charged for three counts of official corruption, abuse of office and misappropriation.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=vYysjcCDohM%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
