Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has initiated an independent investigation regarding allegations related to the overseas travel of Youth and Sports Minister Jese Saukuru and the purported misuse of funds within the Fiji Sports Council. This decision follows a meeting between Rabuka and Saukuru, where discussions centered on claims regarding a trip the minister took in January 2025 to New Zealand, reportedly funded by the Fiji Sports Council.
The scope of the investigation will also encompass allegations against Ratu Gilbert Vakalalabure, the Chief Executive Officer of the Fiji Sports Council, who has faced accusations concerning financial mismanagement. Prime Minister Rabuka emphasized that Minister Saukuru has assured he would not interfere with the independent inquiry.
In light of these developments, Rabuka has nonetheless approved Saukuru’s upcoming six-day tour of the Yasawa Group, scheduled to commence on Sunday, 22 February 2026. The Prime Minister has pledged to provide further updates as the independent investigation unfolds, reflecting a commitment to transparency and accountability in the handling of these allegations. Such steps are vital for upholding trust in government leadership and ensuring public confidence in how funds are managed within public organizations.
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