Calls for the dismissal of Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, have intensified following her controversial comments advocating for the death penalty for drug traffickers in Fiji. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry expressed strong disapproval, urging Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to terminate her position for speaking without prior consultation with the Cabinet or the Prime Minister.
Chaudhry stated, “Prime Minister Rabuka should fire Lynda Tabuya. This is an important issue that she should not address unilaterally.” Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube echoed Chaudhry’s remarks, criticizing Tabuya’s comments as a sign of disrespect towards the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Narube emphasized that significant issues should be approached with care, suggesting that Rabuka needs to enforce policies for ministerial conduct.
Tabuya expressed her desire for the death penalty to be reinstated in Fiji to protect citizens from drug trafficking, citing vulnerabilities at the nation’s borders. However, her statements faced backlash from various groups, including human rights organizations and social media users. The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission described her remarks as a serious human rights violation, while Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua advocated for a more humane approach to addressing drug-related crimes.
During the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga, Prime Minister Rabuka criticized Tabuya for creating controversy without consulting the Cabinet. He indicated that such significant issues should be collectively addressed within the Cabinet framework.
Rabuka confirmed that the Cabinet would discuss Tabuya’s comments at their upcoming meeting, emphasizing that the death penalty is illegal under the 2013 Constitution. He expressed hope that the acting Prime Minister would raise the matter during discussions.
This incident marks another contentious moment for Tabuya, who has previously faced scrutiny over allegations of drug use and an extramarital affair. In his address to the Fijian community in Tonga, Rabuka stated that the government is committed to combating Fiji’s drug issues, asserting the need for collective action against drug-related crimes, including measures taken in communities like Sabeto Village to restrict movement at night in order to mitigate drug activities.