Former acting deputy commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Francis Leba Puleiwai, has taken significant steps in calling for the suspension of Chief Justice Salesi Temo due to alleged misconduct and abuse of office. In a letter dated July 3, 2025, addressed to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, and shared with President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Puleiwai urged the government to apply Section 111 of the 2013 Constitution for the suspension of Temo, pending a thorough investigation.
Puleiwai’s request stems from an incident on September 5, 2024, when Chief Justice Temo reportedly directed Chief Registrar Tomasi Bainivalu to instruct her to release an individual, violating proper protocol. Puleiwai argues that her actions, which involved the arrest of the individual in question, were lawful and adherent to the FICAC Act of 2007, emphasizing that a Commission of Inquiry (COI) had previously endorsed her conduct.
She detailed that past discussions around “misbehaviour” from a tribunal earlier investigated against the Director of ODPP, Mr. Pryde, lend credence to her claims against Temo. The letter stresses the need for due process, underscoring the importance of suspending the Chief Justice until a tribunal can substantiate the allegations against him.
In related developments, Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu confirmed that a formal complaint from Puleiwai is under investigation. However, specific details surrounding the inquiry remain undisclosed at this time. Attempts to reach Prime Minister Rabuka for comments on the matter went unanswered.
Previously, controversies surrounding FICAC have included a police complaint filed against Puleiwai by the current FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali, accusing her of overstepping her role. This incident, coupled with discussions on potential political influences within FICAC, has prompted calls for an inquiry into the Commission’s operations, highlighting the ongoing tensions and the urgent need for transparency and accountability in Fiji’s governance.
While the situation remains complex, it is hoped that the forthcoming investigations will foster a clearer understanding of the issues at hand, leading to enhanced integrity within Fiji’s judicial framework. Amid these challenges, there lies an opportunity for reform, which is essential for restoring public trust in law enforcement and the judicial system in Fiji.
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