Pio Tikoduadua, the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, plans to temporarily step aside as an inquiry unfolds into the alleged unauthorized issuance of passports to members of the Grace Road Group. In his statement, Tikoduadua indicated that he has informed the Prime Minister of his decision and is awaiting further guidance.
The minister revealed concerns that passports might have been issued to the children of individuals linked to human rights allegations against the Grace Road Group, without his knowledge or the necessary approvals from the Permanent Secretary and senior management within the Department of Immigration. He emphasized that if these claims are validated, they would represent a severe breach of the Ministry’s established protocols and highlight significant deficiencies in the department’s internal oversight.
Given the serious nature of the situation and its potential repercussions for the country’s integrity and international reputation, Tikoduadua has mandated an immediate and comprehensive investigation to uncover how this oversight occurred and to ensure accountability among those involved. He affirmed his dedication to upholding high governance standards and pledged full cooperation with the inquiry, emphasizing his commitment to restoring public trust.
This situation underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. By addressing these concerns head-on, Tikoduadua’s actions can serve to reinforce public confidence in the integrity of governmental processes, ultimately strengthening Fiji’s reputation both domestically and internationally.
In summary, the inquiry presents an opportunity to enhance the oversight mechanisms within the Department of Immigration and ensure that such incidents do not recur, promoting a robust and trustworthy governance system moving forward.
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