This week has seen renewed demands for the removal of Lynda Tabuya from her position as Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, following her recent call for the death penalty for traffickers of large quantities of illicit drugs in Fiji.
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry expressed strong disapproval, stating that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka should dismiss Tabuya for her comments. Chaudhry emphasized the need for the Minister to consult with the Cabinet or the Prime Minister before making such significant statements. Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube backed Chaudhry’s sentiments, stating that Tabuya’s remarks showed a lack of respect for Rabuka and highlighted a perceived failure of the Prime Minister to effectively manage his ministers.
Tabuya argued that the introduction of the death penalty is necessary to protect the vulnerable population of Fiji and to address the country’s drug issues. However, her remarks have met criticism from various sectors of society, including human rights organizations and some social media users. The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission labeled her comments as a serious human rights violation. Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua advocated for a more humane approach, while former FHRADC director Shaista Shameem dismissed the death penalty as cruel and degrading.
During the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga, Prime Minister Rabuka clarified that Tabuya’s remarks were inappropriate and highlighted the importance of consulting the Cabinet before making controversial statements regarding the death penalty. He affirmed that the death penalty is illegal under the 2013 Constitution and indicated that he hopes the acting Prime Minister will address this issue at the upcoming Cabinet meeting.
This situation is not Tabuya’s first encounter with controversy; earlier this year, she faced scrutiny over allegations of illicit drug use and an extramarital affair.
In a separate address to the Fijian community in Tonga, Prime Minister Rabuka reiterated the government’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in Fiji, calling for collective action against crime and specifically mentioning measures taken in communities like Sabeto Village to restrict nighttime movement in an effort to curb drug use.