A significant legal development took place in Suva as lawyer Wylie Clarke addressed the High Court regarding the appointment of Lavi Rokoika as the Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). Clarke revealed that he had reached out to the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), which confirmed it had no involvement in Rokoika’s appointment. This admission has led Clarke to argue that the charges against his client, former deputy prime minister Manoa Kamikamica, who is facing a perjury charge, could be deemed null and void due to the lack of proper procedure in the appointment.
Clarke’s statements came while he was trying to subpoena two journalists for evidence related to a published article. This article reportedly included a claim by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, indicating he had advised the President on Rokoika’s appointment, suggesting improper conduct in the process. Clarke contended that FICAC has been reluctant to address the implications of the JSC’s non-involvement.
Kamikamica’s legal troubles stem from allegations that he falsely stated under oath that he had no part in the appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner, a situation brought to light by a Commission of Inquiry report. Notably, Kamikamica’s attendance was excused during the proceedings due to health concerns.
Additionally, former deputy prime minister and finance minister Professor Biman Prasad also appeared in court facing charges related to failure to comply with statutory disclosure requirements from 2015. The court, presided over by Justice Siainiu Fa’alogo Bull, has scheduled a mention for February 5, with hearings set for March 18 to 20. All parties involved have been instructed to file necessary affidavits before the hearings commence.
This situation highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding appointments within Fiji’s judicial and administrative systems, reflecting a broader narrative of accountability and transparency in governance. As these cases progress, they may pave the way for more rigorous scrutiny of procedural integrity within governmental appointments.
Leave a comment