Fiji’s Law Society has called upon President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu to promptly comply with the Judicial Services Commission’s recommendations regarding the leadership of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). The recommendation follows a year marked by legal controversies surrounding the appointment of Lavi Rokoika as acting commissioner of the anti-corruption agency.
Rokoika’s selection was made by Lalabalavu based on advice from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, notably bypassing the legally prescribed recommendation framework set by the JSC. This action has drawn public criticism for allegedly contravening the FICAC Act and has followed the contentious dismissal of former Commissioner Barbara Malimali, which the High Court later deemed unlawful.
Compounding the issues, accusations of nepotism have arisen, particularly concerning Rokoika’s hiring of her niece, Ulamila Vakalalabure, as a junior state counsel. Ulamila’s significant family ties, including her father, Gilbert Vakalalabure—CEO of the Fiji Sports Council—intensify concerns regarding conflicts of interest in FICAC’s leadership.
Gilbert Vakalalabure previously faced allegations of fund misuse, although he was cleared of some accusations by FICAC. Nevertheless, there has been a renewed focus on nepotism due to ongoing scrutiny, leading the Fiji Sports Council board to initiate an independent investigation into these concerns.
Rokoika’s role prior to her appointment, as a partner in the Rokoika and Vakalalabure law firm defending individuals prosecuted by FICAC, has raised serious ethical questions regarding impartiality. Critics have labeled this dual engagement as highly inappropriate, undermining public trust in FICAC’s independence and mission.
The Fiji Law Society has voiced its apprehension about media reports indicating that the President may be hesitating in implementing the JSC’s advice concerning Rokoika. In their statement, the society emphasized that the President is obliged to follow the JSC’s legally binding recommendations without independent interpretation or negotiation.
“The office of the President is not empowered to select alternatives, withhold action, or engage in bargaining with institutions mandated by our constitution,” stated the society. They highlighted that the Constitution and the FICAC Act affirm the binding nature of the JSC’s recommendations, asserting that any deviation undermines public confidence in institutions and democracy.
The society has firmly urged the President to act on the JSC’s directive to remove Rokoika, stressing that upholding the rule of law is essential to maintaining societal integrity.
Looking ahead, the JSC’s intervention and timeline indicate a potential resolution regarding the leadership of FICAC, with meetings set to reconvene to make crucial decisions by the end of March 2026. Prime Minister Rabuka has expressed support for investigations into the nepotism allegations, adding political pressure for swift and decisive action on this critical issue.
As the situation unfolds, there is a shared hope among the citizens that adherence to legal protocols will restore faith in governance and ensure the integrity of Fiji’s anti-corruption efforts.
Leave a comment