The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) is responsible for lifting and reasoning a Stop Order related to former deputy FICAC Commissioner Francis Puleiwai, as clarified by Minister for Immigration Pio Tikoduadau. This statement was made following inquiries about the status of Ms. Puleiwai’s stop order.
Minister Tikoduadau explained that updates and minor justifications regarding such orders do not fall under his jurisdiction. “No, it does not come to me,” he stated. “There are laws that allow the appropriate agency to enforce Border Control on individuals marked with a stop order.”
Ms. Puleiwai departed Fiji for Australia on September 7, just two days after her resignation. Previously, she expressed concerns regarding the rule of law within FICAC, citing ministerial charges and claims of interference by senior officials in the judiciary.
A Stop Order was issued following her resignation, but she had already left the country prior to its implementation. Minister Tikoduadau emphasized that his office does not hold the authority to lift the order, as this power lies with the initiating agency and potentially the courts or other institutions.