Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that Pio Tikoduadua, the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, has been temporarily relieved from his responsibilities, with an Acting Minister stepping in. In a statement to FijiLive, Rabuka described recent events in the Department of Immigration as a troubling incident that highlights issues of leadership and administrative oversight.
While the identity of the Acting Minister has not been disclosed, Rabuka emphasized the need for urgent discussions regarding the current situation. He also confirmed the suspension of the Director of Immigration alongside several senior officials within the department.
The situation came to light when Tikoduadua revealed concerns about unauthorized passports potentially issued to minors connected to individuals involved in Grace Road human rights allegations. Tikoduadua stated that these passports were issued without his knowledge, the approval of the Permanent Secretary, or proper authorization from senior management. Consequently, he has decided to step aside temporarily to facilitate a thorough investigation into this matter.
This situation underscores the importance of accountability within government operations, as well as the necessity for administrative reforms that ensure such incidents do not recur. While these developments may seem concerning, they also represent a commitment to transparency and justice, fostering hope for a more accountable future within Fiji’s government.
Leave a comment