Calls for the dismissal of Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, have intensified following her recent remarks advocating for the death penalty for drug traffickers in Fiji. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry criticized her statement, asserting that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka should remove her from office for addressing such serious matters without consulting the Cabinet or the Prime Minister.
Chaudhry emphasized the importance of unified decision-making in government, stating that Tabuya’s comments reflect a disregard for the Prime Minister. Savenaca Narube, leader of the Unity Fiji Party, echoed this sentiment, criticizing Tabuya for lacking respect for Prime Minister Rabuka and highlighting the need for ministers to adhere to proper channels of communication.
In her controversial statement, Tabuya argued for reintroducing the death penalty in Fiji as a measure to address drug trafficking, citing vulnerabilities at the country’s borders. However, her remarks have faced backlash, including from human rights advocates and the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, which deemed her comments a violation of human rights.
During the ongoing 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga, Prime Minister Rabuka condemned Tabuya’s remarks as inappropriate and stressed the need for Cabinet consultation on such vital issues. He indicated that this matter would be raised in the upcoming Cabinet meeting.
Rabuka reaffirmed that the death penalty is illegal under Fiji’s 2013 Constitution and reiterated the government’s commitment to combating drug-related issues, promising a coordinated effort to apprehend those involved in the illegal drug trade. He mentioned initiatives in communities, such as Sabeto Village, aimed at curbing drug use through restricted movement during nighttime.