Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced today that Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, has been temporarily relieved of his responsibilities, and an Acting Minister has been appointed in his place.
In an interview with FijiLive, Rabuka characterized the recent events in the Department of Immigration as a concerning situation that emphasizes issues of leadership and administration within the department. While the Prime Minister did not disclose the identity of the Acting Minister, he mentioned that urgent discussions would take place regarding the matter.
Additionally, Rabuka confirmed that both the Director of Immigration and several senior officials within the department have been suspended. This decision follows Tikoduadua’s revelation that he learned of unauthorized passports being issued to children of individuals linked to human rights concerns surrounding Grace Road. According to Tikoduadua, these passports were issued without his knowledge, without the Permanent Secretary’s approval, and without authorization from senior management.
To facilitate a thorough inquiry into the matter, Tikoduadua has chosen to step aside from his role temporarily.
This situation underscores the government’s commitment to integrity and accountability, aiming to ensure that proper procedures are followed in such sensitive matters. The inquiry into the unauthorized issuance of passports could lead to necessary reforms, promoting transparency and the rule of law moving forward.
In summary, Prime Minister Rabuka’s actions reflect a proactive approach to addressing potential misconduct within a key government department, signaling a focus on transparency and proper governance. This could ultimately lead to a strengthened system in Fiji, fostering public trust in governmental operations.
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