Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that Pio Tikoduadua, the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, has been temporarily relieved of his duties, and an Acting Minister has been appointed. In an interview with FijiLive, Rabuka described the recent developments within the Department of Immigration as a “sad chapter” that raises concerns about leadership and administration.
The Prime Minister indicated that he will address pressing matters with the Acting Minister, although he did not disclose the identity of the individual stepping into this role. Additionally, Rabuka confirmed the suspension of the Director of Immigration and several senior officials from the department.
The circumstances leading to this situation arose after Tikoduadua reported potential unauthorized issuance of passports to children of individuals linked to the Grace Road human rights allegations. He acknowledged that these passports seemed to have been issued without his knowledge, the approval of the Permanent Secretary, or authorization from senior management within the Department of Immigration. As a result, Tikoduadua expressed his intention to temporarily step aside to facilitate an investigation into the matter.
This development underscores the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the immigration process. By taking these steps, the Prime Minister aims to restore public trust in the administration and ensure that proper protocols are followed within the Department of Immigration.
In summary, this situation presents a pivotal opportunity for the Fijian government to strengthen its governance and address any irregularities. The proactive measures taken highlight the importance of ethics in leadership and may lead to more stringent controls within the immigration system.
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