Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has not addressed the allegations from Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry, who stated that the Prime Minister is “closely related” to Lavi Rokoika, the acting commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). In a recent statement, Chaudhry raised concerns over Rokoika’s appointment, questioning its legality and asserting that it lacked proper procedure, as it was neither advertised nor recommended by the Judicial Services Commission, in contradiction to the FICAC Act.
Chaudhry emphasized that even if Rokoika is no longer a partner at her previous law firm, a conflict of interest persists due to her ties with Rabuka. He criticized the Prime Minister for appointing individuals within his close circles while neglecting the reinstatement of former acting Assistant Commissioner Francis Puleiwai, as suggested by a Commission of Inquiry report.
In response to the allegations concerning her connection with a senior official from the Fiji Sports Council, who is under investigation for corruption, Rokoika referred inquiries to FICAC’s chief investigator. Alifereti Wakanivesi assured the public that the investigations would proceed independently, with no interference from Rokoika, who only supervises FICAC operations.
Chaudhry’s statement is part of a broader criticism from the Fiji Labour Party of Rabuka’s administration regarding appointments within FICAC and the potential conflicts of interest these associations could create. Similar allegations of questionable appointments arose previously when Barbara Malimali was appointed as FICAC Commissioner while under investigation, raising doubts about the legitimacy of the Judicial Services Commission’s actions.
The political landscape remains tense as these controversies unfold, with many calling for transparency and accountability from the government to restore public trust in institutional integrity. The Prime Minister’s lack of response to the allegations has only heightened scrutiny from opposition parties and the public.
Comment: The ongoing discussions about the integrity of appointments within major governance bodies like FICAC highlight the importance of transparency in political processes. Ensuring that investigations are conducted free from interference and that appointments are made based on merit is crucial for maintaining public confidence in government institutions.
Leave a comment