The Lautoka High Court is poised to announce its decision today regarding a civil case brought forth by Dr. Ram Raju, the former president of the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI). Dr. Raju is contesting the legitimacy of the current board, asserting that the recent elections were held unconstitutionally and without adherence to proper protocol during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) conducted in March.
Dr. Raju has requested an injunction against the current executive, claiming significant irregularities during the AGM. Shailendra Prasad, the NCCI Secretary, noted that the meeting was clouded by the rejection of financial reports from 2021 to 2024 and a flawed voting process for board elections and auditor appointments.
Members of the chamber had mandated that a Special General Meeting be held within 90 days to present acceptable financial statements. When the meeting took place on June 12, the revised accounts, derived solely from bank statements due to the loss of documentation, were again dismissed by the members.
In the wake of these upheavals, a vote of no confidence against Dr. Raju was initiated, resulting in his ousting and the election of new board members, who claim their process was transparent and legitimate. However, Dr. Raju maintains that the new board’s establishment lacks legitimacy and is seeking to have it overturned and be reinstated.
Today’s ruling is critical, as it will decide if the current board can retain its position or if Dr. Raju will be returned to power, potentially reshaping the leadership at NCCI yet again.
This case encapsulates a prevalent need for governance reform within local chambers, reflecting the broader demands for accountability and transparency in Fiji’s leadership practices. Observers express hope that the legal proceedings might yield a constructive resolution, helping to stabilize the chamber’s governance and enhance its ability to serve the business community more effectively. The developments in this case underscore the intricate balance between leadership legitimacy and member accountability within organizations like NCCI.
Leave a comment