Inia Seruiratu, a member of the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC), has voiced his concerns regarding the government’s approach to investigations involving senior officials, highlighting discrepancies in the process.
During a recent media interaction, Seruiratu pointed out that while Corrections Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, who was appointed by the COC, has been placed on leave pending an inquiry, Barbara Malimali, an appointee of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), continues to work despite being subjected to a similar investigation.
Seruiratu emphasized that it is the minister’s duty to keep Dr. Nakarawa informed about the investigation details, noting that Dr. Nakarawa’s leave is necessary to facilitate the inquiry.
When questioned about the absence of similar action for Ms. Malimali, Seruiratu stated that each case is unique and involves different circumstances and ministers, thereby revealing a pattern of inconsistency in the government’s handling of such matters.
This situation underlines the importance of transparency and uniformity in governance, especially when it pertains to the integrity of public officials. By addressing these inconsistencies, the government can work towards restoring public trust and ensuring accountability in its processes.
While the challenges highlighted by Mr. Seruiratu are significant, they also provide an opportunity for the government to re-evaluate its investigation protocols and promote a more equitable system that treats all officials with the same standards. This could ultimately lead to strengthened institutional integrity moving forward.
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