Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu has urged Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to disclose the full, unredacted version of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report to the Civil Service Commission chair. In his statement, Seruiratu emphasized that the time for shielding senior officials has passed, asserting that, “No redactions, no excuses, no more silence. The people deserve clarity, the institutions demand accountability, and the truth must be acted upon.”
He expressed the necessity for accountability among civil servants named in the report, indicating that they must face disciplinary proceedings in accordance with the Constitution and the Public Service Act. Additionally, Seruiratu called on President Naiqama Lalabalavu to initiate the tribunal process to evaluate Chief Justice Salesi Temo’s conduct, stressing that the integrity of the judiciary is crucial.
While the removal of the Attorney-General has been welcomed as a “necessary first step,” questions linger about the future of other high-ranking officials whose actions were scrutinized in the report. Seruiratu urged that no one should be shielded from accountability, saying, “This is not a call for vengeance, it is a call for justice, consistency, and the courage to match principles with action.”
Prime Minister Rabuka, currently on a diplomatic trip in Australia, had previously asserted that he does not hold authority over the judicial officers mentioned in the CoI report, emphasizing the separation of powers between the executive and judiciary. This response highlights the ongoing tension regarding the importance of transparency and the need for a clear approach toward governance.
This sentiment is echoed by the Fiji Labour Party and Unity Fiji, both of which have cautioned that delays in releasing the CoI report could jeopardize confidence in the government. The broader discussion surrounding transparency, accountability, and the necessary reforms reflects a pivotal moment in Fiji’s political environment.
As political leaders continue to advocate for the findings of the CoI to be made public, there is an emerging hope that such actions will forge greater accountability and lead to meaningful reforms within the government. The commitment to uphold integrity and clear communication will be key to restoring public trust in Fiji’s institutions moving forward.
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