Ketan Lal, the Shadow Minister for Justice, is calling for the Prime Minister to take accountability for what he describes as the Coalition Government’s ongoing breaches of the 2013 Constitution. Lal expressed his deep concerns over the recent decision by Justice Minister Siromi Turaga to place Commissioner of Corrections Dr. Nakarawa on leave, labeling the move as both procedurally questionable and an inappropriate overreach of ministerial authority.
Highlighting the independence of the Commissioner of Corrections, who is appointed by the President, Lal emphasized that this position should not be subject to the directives of a minister regarding employment issues. He referenced Section 137(4) of the 2013 Constitution, which outlines that only the President, guided by the Constitutional Offices Commission, has the power to suspend the Commissioner and similar officers.
Lal criticized Minister Turaga’s actions as an attempt to usurp the Constitutional Offices Commission’s authority, indicating a worrisome misunderstanding of ministerial boundaries. He argued that if there were concerns regarding the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS), the Minister should have approached the Constitutional Offices Commission in a lawful manner rather than taking unilateral action.
The abrupt decision to sideline Dr. Nakarawa, without transparency about the allegations against him, he stated, erodes public confidence in the Government and its institutions. He further expressed concern over claims that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka supports this decision, stressing that both the Minister and the Prime Minister do not possess the legal authority to compel the Commissioner to take leave.
Such actions, according to Lal, could be viewed as a misuse of power, threatening the principles of good governance and resulting in political interference within independent institutions. He noted that Dr. Nakarawa has reportedly not been informed of any allegations against him and contests the legality of his suspension.
Lal pointed out a troubling pattern in the Coalition Government’s treatment of constitutional officers, citing the previous dismissal of DPP Pryde and now the sidelining of Dr. Nakarawa. This trend raises questions about the Government’s commitment to fair governance, as Lal stated, “the Coalition’s treatment of Dr. Nakarawa raises critical questions” about potential targeting due to his professional conduct and independence.
He urged Prime Minister Rabuka to take these issues seriously and not dismiss them as mere misunderstandings or simply deflect responsibility. Lal reaffirmed that the Fijian public deserves clarity and accountability from their leaders.
As the Opposition, they are committed to ensuring the independence of essential institutions is protected. Lal concluded by reminding that respect for the rule of law is vital for democracy in Fiji and that leaders must stay within the confines of their authority for the sake of the people who elected them.
This situation represents an opportunity for the government to reflect on its approach and prioritize the rule of law and good governance. By addressing these serious concerns transparently, the Coalition can work to rebuild public trust and strengthen the integrity of its institutions.
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