PNG Deputy Chief Justice urges Lawyers without papers not to practice law

The Deputy Chief Justice, Sir Gibbs Salika has urged Lawyers who do not have a Practicing Certificate NOT to accept clients, NBC new reports.

He said this while presiding over a misappropriation trial, between the state and Philip Kikala, the former Lagaip-Porgera MP, at the Wabag National Court in Enga Province this morning.

Judge Salika said, the State is wasting a lot of resources in facilitating court circuits, and there must be no delays.

"The case which is set for a week long trial starting this morning was adjourned to tomorrow because the lawyer for the accused George Apor did not represent the accused in court, because he did not have a practicing certificate.

.A frustrated justice Salika,asked “how long it will take lawyer George Apor to obtain a practicing certificate from the Papua New Guinea law society ?” because
he had given the same excuse in his court at the Waigani national court in early February.
The judge told the accused that “Judiciary time was set aside just for this case, and his lawyer's case was not good enough therefore the matter will proceed tomorrow with or without his legal representation", said justice Salika. NBC News/Photo