Former Fiji Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama told the Suva High Court that the allegations against him are untrue, as his trial over abuse of office and unwarranted demands moves forward. In his testimony, Bainimarama said he never sent any Viber messages to acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu in 2021 asking him to resign or to terminate the employment of two Fiji Police Force officers.
Bainimarama explained that he did receive a call from his brother about a photo of him being posted in a police Viber group and said he subsequently phoned Tudravu to ask him to speak with his officers. The former PM stated that he was not aware of the officers implicated in the case, nor of a disciplinary tribunal being set up to examine the matter.
The charges allege that, while serving as Prime Minister, Bainimarama made an unwarranted demand to Tudravu to terminate the employment of Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Police Constable Tomasi Naulu, threatening resignation if the demands were not met. It is also alleged that between May and August 2021, when Tudravu served as acting Commissioner of Police, Sitiveni Qiliho, the then Commissioner of Police, directed the termination of Ratei and Naulu without due process, depriving them of their rights.
The court case is being heard in the Suva High Court before Judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe, with proceedings continuing as witnesses are called to establish the timeline and authority behind the disciplinary decisions and any possible political influence over police actions.
Context and outlook
Observers see the case as a testing ground for governance ethics, police independence, and due process in Fiji’s public service. A transparent presentation of evidence and a fair ruling could strengthen public trust in state institutions and policing practices. As the trial unfolds, Tudravu remains a central figure, and both sides are examining how disciplinary procedures were carried out and who made key decisions.
Added value and commentary
– The case highlights the ongoing tension between political oversight and police independence, with potential implications for civil-service protections and due process.
– If proven, claims of inappropriate political influence could prompt reforms in oversight and disciplinary procedures within Fiji’s public service.
– If the defense demonstrates that actions were lawful and properly followed, it could underscore the limits of executive authority in internal disciplinary matters.
– The dialogue around these issues may influence broader conversations about governance, transparency, and accountability in Fiji.
Short summary
– Bainimarama testified that he did not send any Viber messages to Tudravu and that he didn’t know the officers involved or that a tribunal existed.
– He is charged with one count of unwarranted demands; Qiliho faces two counts of abuse of office for allegedly overriding disciplinary decisions and terminating officers without due process.
– The case centers on the May–August 2021 period and the termination or threatened termination of two officers, with ongoing testimony on Viber communications and document handling.
Outlook
– The trial is expected to continue with additional witness testimony focused on the chain of command, the handling of Viber communications, and documentary evidence such as search warrants and official records. A careful, evidence-based resolution could reinforce or recalibrate perceptions of governance ethics and public service independence in Fiji.
Hopeful perspective
– A thorough, fair judicial process that clearly establishes facts and adheres to due process can bolster accountability, reinforce institutional integrity, and restore or strengthen public confidence in Fiji’s governance and policing framework.
Leave a comment