Inia Seruiratu, a member of the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC), has voiced his concerns regarding the government’s approach to managing investigations involving senior officials. He highlighted discrepancies in the handling of cases as a key issue.
Seruiratu noted that Corrections Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, who was appointed by the COC, has been placed on leave pending the outcome of his inquiry. In contrast, Barbara Malimali, who has been appointed by the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), continues in her role despite being subject to a similar investigation. This discrepancy raises questions about the uniformity of the government’s actions in these matters.
According to Seruiratu, it is crucial for the minister to communicate the specifics of the investigation to Dr. Nakarawa, emphasizing that the latter’s leave is essential to facilitate an uninterrupted investigation. Upon being asked why Ms. Malimali has not been placed on leave, he pointed out that the differences in their cases reflect a wider pattern of inconsistency within the government’s procedures.
This situation sheds light on the importance of transparent and consistent disciplinary actions within government institutions, which is essential for maintaining public trust. While differences in cases may exist, establishing a clear and consistent policy for handling such investigations could benefit the credibility of governmental processes.
In summary, Seruiratu’s remarks illustrate a significant concern about the government’s investigatory practices involving high-ranking officials, signaling a need for uniformity in how such cases are addressed. The hope remains that through these discussions, improvements can be made to ensure fairness and transparency within the system.
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