This week, renewed calls have emerged for the dismissal of Lynda Tabuya, Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, following her controversial statement advocating for the death penalty for drug traffickers. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry made a firm demand, stating that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka should terminate her position for speaking on significant issues without prior consultation with either the Cabinet or the Prime Minister.
Chaudhry expressed that such important matters require careful consideration and preparation, indicating a failure on Tabuya’s part to adhere to proper protocol. Supporting this sentiment, Savenaca Narube, leader of the Unity Fiji Party, criticized Tabuya’s remarks, asserting that they reflect a lack of respect for the Prime Minister. Narube emphasized that no minister should make such declarations unilaterally, highlighting a need for the Prime Minister to establish clear policies and guidelines for his ministers.
In her remarks, Tabuya stated her desire to see the death penalty implemented in Fiji for those involved in drug trafficking, citing vulnerabilities in the nation’s borders and the need for protective measures for its citizens. However, Tabuya’s statement angered various segments of the Fijian population, including human rights advocates and social media commentators. The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission condemned her call as a severe violation of human rights, with other officials and organizations labeling the death penalty as cruel and incompatible with the 2013 Constitution.
During the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga, Prime Minister Rabuka clarified that Tabuya’s comments were inappropriate, suggesting she should have engaged the Cabinet on the matter before making her statements public. He mentioned that such significant issues should be deliberated in a Cabinet setting.
Rabuka expressed hopes that this discussion would take place at the upcoming Cabinet meeting, stating that the death penalty remains illegal under the current Constitution. This incident is not the first time Tabuya has faced controversy, as she has previously been scrutinized concerning allegations of drug use and an extramarital affair.
In his address to the Fijian community in Tonga, Rabuka reiterated that the government is committed to addressing Fiji’s drug-related issues and emphasized the importance of collective action in combating crime, particularly drug trafficking. He pointed out measures being taken in locations like Sabeto Village to regulate nighttime movements in a bid to curb drug abuse in the area.