Outgoing Acting Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku emphasizes the heightened responsibility on the legal profession to address legal matters with integrity. Reflecting on his forthcoming departure from the ODPP, Rabuku expressed that public comments from the legal community regarding his exit have posed challenges.
“There is greater responsibility on the legal profession to approach legal issues with honesty, analytical thinking, and intelligence,” Rabuku stated. He underscored the impact these legal matters have on the public, both within Fiji and among the Fiji diaspora.
“Lawyers are one of the greatest agents of change in a community. Their public views on the law or legal issues shape public opinion,” he added.
Rabuku noted that none of the senior lawyers or prominent legal figures who publicly demanded his immediate resignation contacted him personally. “We all know each other as we have all been in the same profession for years, and I have worked with some of them. If they had called me, they would have known that I was leaving the office following the Supreme Court opinion and JSC decision. It was merely an administrative matter, requiring a well-handled and dignified transition within the DPP office,” he explained.
He stressed the need for honest conversations among lawyers, cautioning against grandstanding on the rule of law and making irresponsible public statements that could mislead public opinion.
Rabuku confirmed he has received his revocation letter from President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, marking the end of his tenure as Acting Director of Public Prosecutions at midnight tonight.