PNG’s Law Society President, Hubert Namani has urged two new judges – Justices Susan Pardon-Sully and Derek Wood - on PNG’s Judiciary bench to uphold the rule of law amid significant challenges in the nation, including tribal conflicts, public disorder, and corruption. He made the call when congratulating them on their three-year term appointment and welcoming them into the bench, at a ceremonial sitting for judges at the National and Supreme Court in Waigani led by Chief Justice Sir Salika Gibs, attended by Justice Minister and Attorney-General, Pila Niningi and Solicitor-General Tauvasa Tanuvasa, the legal fraternity and heads of foreign diplomats. “We are confronted with severe threats to the rule of law – from tribal conflicts instigating tragic loss of lives to public disorder causing significant economic hardship, and high levels of corruption that are affecting societies and the State.” “In the face of these trying circumstances, it is imperative that justice be administered diligently and impartially by the judiciary, without any hint of bias or undue influence.” “Both the Bench and the Bar have a solemn duty to protect the Rule of Law for our nation.” “It is incumbent upon us all to uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and integrity in every action we take within the legal system.” Namani commended Justice Purdon-Sully's extensive experience, particularly her involvement in the Judicial Conduct Committee and the Judicial Wellbeing Committee of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, expressing anticipation for her contributions to PNG's judiciary. He also expressed confidence in Justice Wood's capabilities, citing his familiarity with PNG's legal landscape. “As we welcome the new judges to their solemn duty, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to the principles of justice, fairness, and integrity (and) may they discharge their responsibilities with wisdom, courage, and unwavering dedication to the cause of justice, serving independently and fearlessly for the betterment of our society.” “Let us stand united in our pursuit of a legal system, where righteousness prevails, and the rule of law reigns supreme.” Both judges expressed their commitment to this call and similar sentiments made by the Chief Justice and the Justice Minister. In the same special judges sitting, the Law Society president also fare welled Justice Jeffrey Sheppard who will formally retire from the bench later this month. “To Justice Sheppard, who is now leaving the bench after years of dedicated service to our state from both the bar and the bench, on behalf of all the lawyers, I express our deepest gratitude for your service and contribution since joining the Public Solicitors Office in 1983. We appreciate you for your close to 41 years of service in law, in our State.” “Thank you for mentoring and giving opportunities to our national lawyers, serving our public and businesses, and contributing to the Judiciary, and importantly to nation-building in this country of which you have been recognized and knighted by King Charles III as a Commander of the British Empire.” “We wish you well and may God Bless you into the future, we wish you a fulfilling and peaceful retirement from the bench.”