Opposition Member of Parliament Jone Usamate has raised significant concerns regarding the recent appointment of Lavi Rokoika as the acting commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). Usamate expressed doubt about Rokoika’s impartiality due to her reported connections with Lands Minister Filimoni Vosarogo and other political figures, suggesting that such affiliations could compromise her ability to act independently in this critical role.
Usamate highlighted that trust in FICAC’s operations has already been precarious and that appointing someone with apparent ties to the government threatens to further undermine the Commission’s credibility. He urged the administration to appoint a leader for FICAC who is entirely independent from political influences, especially in light of recent controversies over appointments within the commission.
His critiques also extend to how the findings of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) are being handled, calling for transparency and consistent action in response to all findings. Usamate noted a troubling inconsistency in the government’s response to allegations against various political figures, specifically mentioning the lack of action against Deputy Prime Ministers Biman Prasad and Manoa Kamikamica despite reports implicating them in COI findings.
Usamate questioned the government’s commitment to accountability, urging that political maneuvers should not dictate the pursuit of justice. He emphasized that the public deserves to know why certain individuals are seemingly protected from consequences while others are swiftly dealt with. Urging immediate publication of the full COI report, Usamate’s arguments resonate with ongoing debates about governance and transparency in Fiji. His call for independent oversight and adherence to good governance standards underscores the public’s need for confidence in its institutions.
This development shines a light on systemic issues surrounding governance and accountability, and it remains crucial for the government to address these concerns transparently to rebuild public trust.
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