Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that Pio Tikoduadua, the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, has been temporarily relieved of his responsibilities due to concerns raised within the Department of Immigration. While he has appointed an Acting Minister to oversee the department during this period, Rabuka has chosen not to disclose the identity of this individual.
In a conversation with FijiLive, Rabuka referred to the situation in the Department of Immigration as a troubling chapter, indicating a significant lapse in leadership and administration. He also confirmed that both the Director of Immigration and several senior officials within the department have been suspended as part of ongoing inquiries.
The issue surfaced when Tikoduadua revealed his awareness of unauthorized passport issuances, reportedly linked to children of individuals involved with the Grace Road human rights allegations. He stated that these passports were distributed without his knowledge, the approval of the Permanent Secretary, or the authorization of senior management within the Department of Immigration. To facilitate a thorough investigation, Tikoduadua has expressed his intentions to momentarily step aside from his role.
This development highlights the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its operations, encouraging a thorough investigation that may restore public trust and enhance overall governance within the Department of Immigration. The prompt actions taken by leadership could pave the way for better practices moving forward, ensuring that such issues do not recur in the future.
By fostering a culture of responsibility and oversight, the government can hopefully emerge stronger from this incident, assuring citizens that their interests and rights are prioritized.
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