The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) is responsible for lifting and interpreting a Stop Order issued for former deputy commissioner Francis Puleiwai, not the Ministry of Immigration. Minister for Immigration Pio Tikoduadau clarified this during a recent inquiry about Ms. Puleiwai’s situation.
Mr. Tikoduadau explained that updates and details regarding such orders do not fall under his office’s authority. He stated, “No, it does not come to me. There is the law, where the agency or the proper agency can place a stop order at the border for individuals.”
Ms. Puleiwai departed Fiji for Australia on September 7, just two days after resigning from her position on September 5. Prior to her departure, she accused FICAC of violating the rule of law concerning ministerial charges and alleged interference by senior judiciary officials and ministers.
Although a Stop Order was issued shortly after her resignation, it was not enforceable as she had already left the country. Mr. Tikoduadau emphasized, “That authority is not invested in me, and even if it is lifted, it depends on the authority that placed it there in the first place. The court and other institutions could possibly lift it; otherwise, I have no powers.”