Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed that he has received informal complaints regarding Justice Minister Siromi Turaga, including allegations of nepotism and inefficiency within the Ministry of Justice. While there have been no formal complaints lodged, Rabuka acknowledged the concerns raised by the public and expressed his intention to consider them carefully.

In comments made to the media, Rabuka noted, “I have received informal complaints from people, and I am aware of the issues in the ministry because they have been brought to my attention.” This acknowledgment comes amidst increasing scrutiny over Turaga’s recent decisions, particularly his controversial action of placing Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa on “extended leave,” a move that has been contested on the grounds that it exceeds his authority under the Constitution.

Turaga’s decisions have sparked a wave of criticism, notably due to the sizable amount of public funds spent—over $88,000—on investigations into former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Christopher Pryde, who was ultimately found not guilty of misconduct. This scrutiny also ties into a larger inquiry involving the so-called “Barbara-gate” scandal, which implicates other senior officials within Fiji’s justice system.

Rabuka has indicated an openness to reassessing Turaga’s position amid rising public demands for accountability and transparency. Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has stressed the need for equal scrutiny of all involved officials, echoing calls for reform and greater integrity in governance. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry added that maintaining public trust in legal institutions requires a commitment to upholding justice and integrity.

As the situation unfolds, it presents a pivotal opportunity for the Fijian government to reinforce its accountability and transparency efforts, enhancing public confidence in the justice system. The government is urged to navigate these challenges with care, ensuring that meaningful reforms not only address current grievances but also foster a robust legal framework that ultimately benefits all citizens of Fiji.

In summary, the Prime Minister’s acknowledgment of the informal complaints against Turaga could catalyze much-needed dialogue around transparency and reform, with hope for restoring public trust in Fiji’s governance.