Acting FICAC Commissioner Lavi Rokoika has publicly accepted full responsibility for a procedural oversight by her staff during the recent arrest of former Fijian Broadcasting Corporation Chief Executive, Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. Sayed-Khaiyum was charged with one count of abuse of office and one count of general dishonesty resulting in a loss.
These charges were connected to allegations of bypassing proper procurement processes regarding the purchase of a costly vehicle, which led to an alleged financial loss for the broadcasting corporation. Notably, this case is linked to a prior matter that was discontinued last month following a review by FICAC, raising questions about the timeline and procedural adherence.
During the court proceedings, it was highlighted that FICAC failed to comply with essential legal protocols, leading to concerns from Sayed-Khaiyum’s defense team about the manner of his arrest and his constitutional rights. Rokoika issued a statement addressing the defense counsel directly, indicating that FICAC was prepared to withdraw the charges if any genuine concerns had been raised, though the defense did not see this as necessary.
While the oversight in procedural timing was acknowledged, Rokoika assured that it did not violate Sayed-Khaiyum’s constitutional rights or prejudice his trial. The defense agreed that the timing issue was recognized prior to the hearing, suggesting that it did not impact the legal proceedings adversely.
This situation illustrates the ongoing commitment of FICAC to uphold ethical standards and accountability within public sector governance. Rokoika emphasized FICAC’s determination to strengthen its internal processes moving forward. Legal experts believe that this case may serve as an opportunity to reinforce principles of transparency and accountability, potentially restoring public confidence in governmental institutions.
As the legal process continues, there remains hope for a strengthened governance framework, fostering a culture of integrity that will benefit Fiji’s public institutions and instill greater trust among the populace.
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