The Fiji Police Force has initiated preliminary investigations into the alleged unauthorized issuance of passports to children linked to the Grace Road group. Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew announced that the next steps will depend on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka after further consultations.
This development comes on the heels of Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Pio Tikoduadua’s resignation. He stepped down to facilitate a fair investigation into the allegations, stating that the passports in question were issued without his awareness or the consent of senior officials in the Department of Immigration.
Chew noted that the initial investigations will assess whether the Fiji Police Force or the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) will take the lead in this matter.
This situation underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in government operations, and hopefully, it will reinforce public trust in the institutional processes of Fiji. The ongoing investigation presents an opportunity to ensure that stringent measures against unauthorized practices are established and adhered to, which could positively impact the integrity of immigration services moving forward.
In summary, the investigation into the alleged passport scandal signals a commitment to uphold transparency within the government, while the cooperation of key officials may strengthen the trustworthiness of Fiji’s immigration system.
Leave a comment