The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) is responsible for the lifting and reasoning behind the Stop Order issued for former deputy FICAC Commissioner Francis Puleiwai, not the Ministry of Immigration. This clarification was provided by Minister for Immigration Pio Tikoduadau in response to inquiries regarding Puleiwai’s stop order.
Minister Tikoduadau emphasized that updates and minor reasoning about such orders do not fall under his jurisdiction. “No, it does not come to me,” he stated, adding that legal protocols determine the placement of stop orders at the border by the relevant agency.
Puleiwai departed Fiji for Australia on September 7, following her resignation two days prior. She had previously expressed concerns to the media about the lack of upholding the rule of law at FICAC, alleging issues related to ministerial interference and charges against senior officials within the judiciary.
A Stop Order was issued shortly after Puleiwai resigned, although she had already exited the country by that time. Minister Tikoduadau noted, “That authority is not invested in me, and even if that be lifted, it depends on the authority that put it there in the first place.” He also stated that lifting the order might involve the court and other institutions, as he holds no power over such decisions.