President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has chosen not to comment on inquiries regarding a recommendation from the Judicial Services Commission concerning recent matters at the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). At an event held this afternoon at the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital, members of the President’s security detail instructed media representatives with a firm “no question.” When pressed by a reporter, the President briefly stated he had no comment.
Reports suggest that the Judicial Services Commission has proposed the removal of Acting FICAC Commissioner Lavi Rokoika. In response, the President has reached out to the Commission seeking further clarification and has suggested specific conditions be considered before any decision is made. These conditions reportedly include deliberations around severance arrangements and the opportunity for Rokoika to reapply for his position.
This situation has unfolded against the backdrop of allegations made by Charlie Charters, who accused FICAC of irregularities linked to the Fiji Sports Council. Charters was arrested over the weekend at Nadi International Airport, subsequently detained at FICAC’s headquarters in Suva for two nights, and was later charged before being presented in court on Monday.
As the Judicial Services Commission continues to engage in discussions, no formal decision regarding Rokoika’s status has been publicly disclosed. The unfolding circumstances highlight ongoing issues within Fiji’s governance and regulatory frameworks, with potential implications for accountability and integrity in public institutions.
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