NAURU’S judiciary has welcomed former Papua New Guinea Chief Justice Sir Gibuma Gibbs Salika to the Court of Appeal following a swearing-in ceremony on Monday, June 15.
Vice President Lionel Aingimea said Sir Gibbs’ appointment would strengthen the island nation’s top appellate court, praising his long record of public service and his role in Papua New Guinea’s legal system.
Aingimea said Sir Gibbs had helped steer his native Papua New Guinea through “some of the toughest times in its political and administrative history,” adding that it was “a privilege and an honour” to have him serve in Nauru’s judiciary.
Sir Gibbs, who joins three other judges and the President of the Court of Appeal, said it was “an honour to serve in Naoero’s jurisdiction” and said he looked forward to learning more about the local challenges while working with fellow judges to serve the people and uphold law and order.
Before his appointment in Nauru, Sir Gibbs served for 46 years in the legal profession.
He joined Papua New Guinea’s public service in 1979 as a legal officer with the Office of the Public Prosecutor, was appointed to the National Court and Supreme Court in 1990 and later served as Principal Magistrate and legal counsel to the Ombudsman Commission.
He also contributed to judicial education and legal development across the Pacific through professional associations, the PNG Law Society and the Pacific Judicial Development programme.
