The Education Ministry has refuted allegations that Minister Aseri Radrodro engaged in unlawful interference regarding the dismissal of four senior human resources officers. Acting Deputy Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education, Timoci Bure, emphasized that the terminations were based on thorough internal reviews focused solely on performance assessments and adherence to Ministry policies, rather than political motivations or misuse of authority.
The officers involved have taken their case to court, contesting their dismissals. Bure clarified that the Ministry is committed to respecting due process and will comply with any judicial rulings. He strongly dismissed claims of retaliatory actions, indicating that the officers were reinstated through formal recruitment processes during the Minister’s suspension, before being assessed again upon the Minister’s return.
Additionally, Bure defended Radrodro against suspicions related to the recruitment of a staff member from Parliament, stating that all procedures adhered to public service guidelines and received the necessary legal approvals. He reiterated that all employment decisions are guided by the Employment Relations Act, the Constitution of 2013, and relevant civil service rules, which advocate for fair process, proper notice, and mediation in disputes.
He noted that the HR officers have filed their grievances with the Employment Ministry’s Mediation Department, which is the rightful channel for addressing such matters. Bure affirmed that the Minister supports transparent and competitive recruitment practices, encouraging broader access to job opportunities.
The Ministry remains committed to upholding principles of transparency, accountability, and merit-based appointments in its operations. Such a commitment is crucial for building trust in public institutions and ensuring that governance is characterized by fairness and responsibility. As this situation unfolds, it serves as an opportunity to reinforce these values within the Ministry and public service as a whole.
This article reflects ongoing battles over accountability within government roles and highlights the importance of adhering to established protocols for employment in the public sector, which ultimately benefits the community by fostering a culture of integrity and fair governance.
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