The leader of the opposition, Inia Seruiratu, has praised Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for taking firm action concerning former Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya. However, Seruiratu has expressed serious concerns regarding potential criminality and the possibility of a cover-up involving both Tabuya and the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Barbara Malimali.
In his statement, Seruiratu pointed out inconsistencies in Tabuya’s declarations about her marital status. He highlighted that Tabuya claimed to be divorced from Robert Semaan since 2016, which exempted her from declaring his assets. However, recent revelations suggest they may still be married, raising questions about honesty and integrity, which are crucial for anyone in public service.
Furthermore, Tabuya’s assertion that a sensitive video was a personal matter with her spouse contradicts her previous declarations of divorce, further damaging her credibility. Seruiratu noted that her position as co-chair of the National Taskforce to Address Pornography in Fiji is also compromised due to these contradictions. He emphasized that the role demands a strict code of conduct, and Tabuya’s situation reflects poorly on the taskforce’s efforts to combat pornography and protect children from online exploitation.
Seruiratu also raised concerns about Malimali’s role in possibly closing the case based on potentially misleading information, suggesting a need for an investigation into any undue influence Tabuya may have had over Malimali regarding the case’s resolution.
In light of this, Seruiratu is calling for a transparent investigation to restore public trust. He plans to bring these issues to Parliament, emphasizing that the Fijian people deserve leadership built on integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Both Tabuya and Malimali have not responded to inquiries pertaining to these matters.
This situation highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in public office; it underscores the necessity for consistent ethical standards among public officials. An investigation could serve to reinforce public confidence, ensuring that those in leadership roles uphold the integrity expected of them.
In summary, opposition leader Inia Seruiratu has raised significant concerns over the integrity of former Minister Lynda Tabuya and the FICAC Commissioner, calling for a thorough investigation to clarify allegations and restore public faith in governmental institutions. This call for accountability reflects a hopeful step towards building a more transparent governance framework in Fiji.
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