Shadow Minister for Justice, Ketan Lal, has called on the Prime Minister to take accountability for the Coalition Government’s ongoing breaches of the 2013 Constitution. His comments follow Justice Minister Siromi Turaga’s controversial decision to place Commissioner of Corrections Dr. Nakarawa on leave, an action Lal deems procedurally questionable and an excessive use of ministerial power.
Lal emphasized that the Commissioner of Corrections holds an independent constitutional position, appointed by the President, and is not subject to employment directives from a minister. He referenced Section 137(4) of the 2013 Constitution, which stipulates that only the President, upon advice from the Constitutional Offices Commission, can suspend the Commissioner.
Lal criticized Turaga for overstepping bounds by usurping the authority of the Constitutional Offices Commission, stating that the Minister should have addressed any allegations concerning the Fiji Corrections Service through the appropriate channels. He expressed concern that the abrupt nature of Dr. Nakarawa’s leave, coupled with a lack of transparency regarding any allegations, could further diminish the public’s trust in government institutions.
Moreover, Lal highlighted the troubling assertion that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka supports this decision, warning both the Minister and the Prime Minister against overstepping their legal authority in these matters. He noted that such actions pose a substantial risk to the principles of sound governance, setting a precedent for political interference with independent bodies.
Lal pointed out that Dr. Nakarawa had not been informed of any allegations against him and has publicly challenged the legitimacy of his enforced leave. He compared this incident to a previous case involving the Director of Public Prosecutions, stressing a pattern within the Coalition Government of sidelining constitutional officers.
This trend raises significant concerns regarding the government’s commitment to good governance principles and questions whether Dr. Nakarawa is being targeted for his professionalism and independence. Lal urged Prime Minister Rabuka to address these issues directly rather than deflecting responsibility.
He concluded by reaffirming the Opposition’s dedication to holding the government accountable, emphasizing that Fiji’s democracy relies on leaders who respect the rule of law and act within their limitations.
This situation serves as a critical reminder of the importance of safeguarding independent constitutional roles, reinforcing that governmental actions should adhere to legal frameworks to maintain public trust and democratic integrity. The focus on accountability and transparency in governance remains essential for the development of a fair society.
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