Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has assured that allegations concerning the leadership of the Fiji Sports Council will be addressed through appropriate procedures, as scrutiny surrounding governance and recent appointments in statutory bodies continues to mount.
Rabuka faced inquiries regarding troubling claims linked to Gilbert Vakalalabure, the former Executive Chairman and current Chief Executive Officer of the Fiji Sports Council. The concerns highlight alleged conflicts of interest and suggest that significant decisions may have been made without proper Board approval.
In his response, Prime Minister Rabuka indicated that these issues would be outlined in an upcoming audit report, emphasizing that the Minister for Sports had not yet formally presented the allegations to him.
Regarding his discussions with Minister for Sports Jese Saukuru, Rabuka stated they were scheduled to meet later that day to further discuss the situation.
In a related matter, Rabuka was also asked about the recent appointment of the Chairperson of the Fiji Higher Education Commission. The government had previously dismissed Steve Chand from the position, appointing Ms. Rokobua Naiyaga to take on the role, effective February 17, 2026. This appointment was made by Aseri Radrodro, the Minister for Education, in conjunction with the Prime Minister.
When questioned about whether he was informed of this recent appointment, Rabuka admitted to being aware of the previous appointment but indicated that the latter was under the authority of the Minister.
This ongoing dialogue about governance highlights the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its operations, indicating a willingness to address concerns head-on. It also points towards a proactive approach to ensuring that statutory bodies maintain integrity and proper oversight in their leadership and decision-making processes.
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