The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has refuted claims made by Member of Parliament Jone Usamate regarding the alleged reinstatement of individuals linked to the Commission. FICAC issued a statement asserting that Kuli Raqisa and Mesake Waqa have never been employed by the Commission, labeling Usamate’s assertions as “factually incorrect and misleading.”
Usamate’s earlier statements called for accountability following findings from a recent Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner. He expressed concerns about possible serious lapses in judgment and suggested that key legal officials may need to resign or be removed to restore public trust in the Judicial Services Commission.
In response, Acting FICAC Commissioner Lavi Rokoika emphasized that employment decisions are governed by the FICAC Act of 2007 and are not swayed by parliamentary directives or public pressures. She urged both Usamate and the public to refrain from further speculation and to wait for the official report to be released by the Office of the President.
This incident reflects ongoing tensions surrounding governance and accountability in Fiji. Usamate’s previous comments have highlighted important issues, notably the need for transparency in the appointment processes of key officials, as raised during past discussions about the appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner.
As discussions unfold, there remains hope that calls for accountability will lead to improved governance standards and foster greater public trust in institutions within Fiji. Both FICAC and legislative representatives must work toward maintaining integrity in processes to strengthen democracy and public confidence in governance.
Leave a comment