Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has expressed significant concerns regarding the legal guidance being given to the Prime Minister, particularly following a directive that seeks to place the Fiji National University (FNU) Council under a new ministry, a move he argues contradicts existing legislation. In a public statement, Mr. Seruiratu pointed out that this directive seems to conflict with the Fiji National University Act, which outlines clear ministerial responsibilities for FNU.
“What sort of legal advice is the Prime Minister receiving when he is being encouraged to act in a manner that plainly contradicts an Act of Parliament?” Mr. Seruiratu questioned, emphasizing that any competent legal adviser would recognize that statutory duties cannot simply be reassigned through verbal instructions or policy announcements.
While acknowledging that the Prime Minister has the authority to designate ministerial portfolios, Mr. Seruiratu stressed that this power does not extend to overriding or suspending existing laws. He made it clear that until the Fiji National University Act is amended, or the Prime Minister is formally appointed as Minister responsible for Education, the current Minister for Education remains the sole lawful authority for the university.
Mr. Seruiratu indicated that this issue highlights a broader pattern of governance issues, describing it as part of a series of governance failures. He remarked, “This is not an isolated incident,” and warned that the government’s persistent missteps are exposing it to legal risks, institutional instability, and public embarrassment. He characterized the situation as troubling, suggesting it reveals either a disregard for the law or a fundamental misunderstanding of it.
Furthermore, he expressed skepticism about the nature of the current administration, stating, “At this point, it is becoming increasingly difficult to describe this administration as a coalition government. What we are witnessing instead is a Chaos Government.”
In light of these concerns, Mr. Seruiratu has called for accountability, urging the removal of those responsible for what he referred to as inadequate legal advice. He insisted that governance must be founded on a respect for the Constitution, Acts of Parliament, and the rule of law. “The country cannot afford governance by guesswork,” he emphasized, asserting that Fiji deserves better and that decisions affecting public institutions should be firmly rooted in legal precedent.
This situation highlights the essential need for sound legal advice in government to ensure stability and accountability within public institutions.
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