Acting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Nancy Tikoisuva, has backed the decision to reinstate Laisani Tabuakuro as Assistant DPP, asserting that there were no formal complaints during the internal disciplinary processes that justified Tabuakuro’s termination. Tikoisuva’s comments come in response to inquiries sparked by an email from former DPP Christopher Pryde, which questioned the legality of Tabuakuro’s reinstatement before completing her probation.
Tikoisuva explained that any issues surrounding Tabuakuro’s termination stemmed from a formal complaint she lodged with the Ministry of Employment, highlighting that the Office of the DPP breached its Human Resources Policy when they dismissed her without allowing her an opportunity to respond to the allegations. Tikoisuva emphasized the importance of adhering to due process to uphold fairness and integrity within the office.
Additionally, Tikoisuva raised concerns about Pryde’s actions of publicly sharing confidential employee information without consent, deeming it a serious violation of privacy standards. She is now calling for Pryde to inform Chief Justice Salesi Temo of his expected resumption date, in line with directives issued by the President earlier in the year.
These developments are part of the broader context involving leadership transitions within Fiji’s DPP, particularly following the scrutiny faced by Pryde related to his prior conduct and the accusations of abuse of office. The return of Tabuakuro could help stabilize the operations within the DPP, fostering a renewed focus on effective legal prosecution in Fiji.
With obstacles in the institution’s governance becoming more apparent, Tikoisuva’s leadership represents a critical opportunity to reinforce standards of accountability and transparency. Stakeholders are hopeful that the reinvigoration of these values can positively reshape the trust in Fiji’s legal framework.
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