Four former senior officials from the Education Ministry have lodged complaints against Minister Aseri Radrodro, alleging interference in disciplinary matters, wrongful dismissal, and abuse of authority. The complainants include Senitiki Tupou, former manager of the Performance and Discipline Unit; Manueli Caginitabale, former manager of Recruitment and Selection; Taito Waradi, former manager of Appointments; and Kelera Bale, former manager of Establishments.
Bale spoke to The Fiji Times, asserting that the standard procedures for termination were ignored, including the mandatory 30-day notice and the balance of paid leave. She claimed their dismissals resulted from their challenges to the reinstatement of a colleague who should have been dismissed for violating ministry protocols.
Bale further alleged that Radrodro bypassed proper recruitment processes when he brought in an individual from Parliament to lead the Human Resources department, continuing to direct ministry actions despite their recommendations. Following a reshuffle in earlier 2024, the trio claimed they were asked to reapply for their positions after being temporarily removed. Upon their return, they went through the entire recruitment process again and were reappointed.
Sandwiched between internal conflicts, Bale indicated that their positions were threatened when Radrodro returned to office and rebuffed the legitimacy of their recruitment selection report.
The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) confirmed that they have received the complaints and are currently evaluating them, but declined to provide further commentary regarding the escalating situation. In response, Minister Radrodro claimed he was unaware of the complaints and characterized the officers’ termination as an internal affair, suggesting that the upcoming processes would clarify matters.
This turmoil within the Ministry of Education speaks to challenges in governance and the importance of due process in public service, underscoring the need for systemic integrity within governmental operations. It remains to be seen how these allegations will unfold, but they highlight the ongoing discussions about accountability and transparency in leadership roles.
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