A senior government official has confirmed that President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has not yet received any formal recommendations regarding potential changes to the leadership of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). This clarification comes in response to media reports suggesting that the President declined a recommendation from the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) to remove acting commissioner Lavi Rokoika.
According to the anonymous official, Chief Justice Salesi Temo, who leads the JSC, met with the President on February 23 to discuss a decision made during an emergency JSC meeting held the previous Sunday. This meeting reportedly considered a whistleblower report and involved the arrest of journalist Charlie Charters by FICAC.
The official noted that the President expressed concerns about the rapid convening of the JSC. He questioned why the commission had acted swiftly to reach a resolution based on a whistleblower’s letter when it had previously announced that a final decision would be delivered by March 31. This announcement, made following a meeting with all stakeholders on February 18 to address the ruling issued by Justice Tuiqereqere on February 2, emphasized the JSC’s commitment to maintaining the rule of law and making independent, integrity-focused decisions.
Furthermore, the President reportedly expressed disappointment that the High Court’s decision had not been formally reported to his office. He highlighted the importance of addressing the High Court ruling before proceeding with any other matters regarding FICAC.
Justice Tuiqereqere’s ruling explicitly stated that the JSC, not the Prime Minister, holds the legal authority to advise the President on the removal of the FICAC Commissioner.
In a separate engagement at the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital Gift of Life ceremony, President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu alluded to a statement made by lawyer Tanya Waqanika in The Fiji Times, predicting a “constitutional showdown.” The President affirmed his commitment to serving the nation, stating, “I believe in the living God. The living God has brought me this far to serve.”
This ongoing situation reinforces the complexities within Fiji’s governance structure and the delicate balance of power between various institutions. As developments unfold, the emphasis on upholding legal integrity and the rule of law remains paramount.
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