Lisiate Fotofili, former Deputy Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), has made a quiet return to the justice system with a temporary role at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). His appointment comes following a Commission of Inquiry (COI) that deemed his previous appointment unlawful, leading to the revocation of his role as Deputy Commissioner.
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Nancy Tikoisuva, confirmed that Fotofili has been hired for a three-month contract specifically to work on a civil case. “He is being employed as a public prosecutor who will be working on civil feature cases,” Tikoisuva stated.
Prior to his role at FICAC, Fotofili had served as a DPP prosecutor and resident magistrate. His appointment as Deputy Commissioner of FICAC came on February 19, 2025, but ultimately faced scrutiny when the COI found it to be unlawful, prompting the President to revoke it based on the Prime Minister’s advice.
The Judicial Services Commission (JSC), which initially recommended his appointment, has distanced itself from his recent re-employment, with Chief Registrar Tomasi Bainivalu clarifying that the JSC only recommends the appointment of the DPP, allowing the acting DPP the authority to recruit other legal officers.
Additionally, questions continue to arise regarding the status of suspended DPP Christopher Pryde, whose salary remains at $250,000 annually. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka expressed a lack of knowledge about the latest developments regarding Pryde, indicating the need for clarity on whether the matter requires further consideration by the Constitutional Offices Commission.
This situation exemplifies the ongoing complexities within Fiji’s legal system amid efforts for reform and increased accountability. The engagement of individuals like Fotofili in the judiciary could potentially bring about renewed focus on ethical practices and diminished corruption, promoting a more transparent and accountable justice system in Fiji. There is hope that these challenging circumstances may ultimately catalyze positive changes within the legal framework, reinforcing public trust and the integrity of the judicial process.
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