The newly appointed Leadership Code Commission (LCC) chairman has vowed to push for the reformation of the legal framework governing the operations of the LCC.
Solomon Kalu who was recently appointed to take up the position after the sudden passing away of Francis Luza said, is an important agenda that must be pursued.
Mr Kalu served as the Director Legal Services in the Office of the Leadership Code Commission in 2014.
The 37 year-old who took his oath of office and allegiance last week holds a Masters in Law from the Queensland University of Technology where he studied in 2015.
His other qualifications include a post-graduate Diploma in legal practices, a post-graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting, a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws which he obtained from the University of the South Pacific.
Mr Kalu holds membership of the Solomon Islands Bar Association since 2010. He was also admitted to the Victorian Bar in Melbourne, Australia, in 2012 as an Overseas Counsel. He is also a Commissioner for Oath on permanent basis.
Prior to his first appointment in the LCC Office, Mr Kalu served in the Public Solicitor’s Office as a Criminal Defense Lawyer in the Magistrates Court, High Court and Appeal Court.
Speaking about his new appointment to the Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat, a confident Mr Kalu said he believes that his appointment is God’s doing and therefore did not take him by surprise.
“I was not all surprised by my appointment. When I was doing my Masters in Law at the Queensland University of Technology last year, I asked God specifically to show me his purpose for bringing me into this Earth. I am convinced that with my appointment I can contribute to building Solomon Islands in the area of its national leadership.
“When the position was advertised, I sent in my application. The LCC Office staff and the current LCC commissioners, Mr Waeta Ben Tabusasi and Mr Henry Isa have also been telling me of my suitability for the post when it was vacated by my predecessor last year and were very supportive of my application.”
Speaking about his official priorities, Mr Kalu said reformation of the legal framework governing the operations of the LCC is an important agenda that must be pursued and is pleased with the initiative shown by Democratic Coalition for Change Government towards the reform programme.
“Talking about reforms, previous governments have worked on draft Bill to reform the Leadership Code (Further Provisions) Act 1999 but did not progress further than the 2013 draft due to what I conclude as lack of political will.”
Mr Kalu said the Bill when enacted, will give new directions for his office in terms of leadership code enforcement.
“How long it will take to reach parliament for approval is still a question but one thing that is obvious is that the Democratic Coalition for Change Government, unlike previous political governments, shows the political will to get the Bill to Parliament,” he adds.
The new Leadership Code Commission Chair said he is looking forward to working other departmental heads of the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, which the LCC Office administratively comes under, for discussions on the way forward with his office.
– Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat
