Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that he has not yet received a comprehensive explanation from Justice Minister Siromi Turaga regarding the recent suspension of the Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner, Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa. This suspension has been criticized by some as a possible abuse of authority by Turaga.
Dr. Nakarawa is now back at work following Turaga’s prior announcement that he was placed on leave due to alleged breaches and complaints within the Fiji Corrections Service. Turaga claimed that serious incidents had been reported, prompting the need for immediate investigation, indicating that there were significant concerns regarding governance and management within the service.
Rabuka pointed out that Turaga proceeded with the suspension without consulting him, raising questions about protocol. When asked about comparisons between the treatment of Nakarawa and that of a former Minister for Women and Children, Lynda Tabuya, the Prime Minister refrained from commenting but confirmed he is actively seeking clarification from Turaga.
Despite not having received complaints against Turaga himself, Rabuka implied he is not inclined to penalize him for what some are calling a constitutional misstep. Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum criticized the suspension as legally unsound, emphasizing that, according to Section 130(4) of the Fijian Constitution, the appointment and any disciplinary actions concerning the Commissioner fall under the President’s purview, not that of a minister.
Sayed-Khaiyum reiterated that the use of the Fiji Corrections Service Act to discipline the Commissioner is inappropriate and contradicts constitutional due process, potentially undermining the authority of the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC). Moreover, he asserted that any legitimate grievances against Nakarawa should have been directed to the COC secretariat instead.
Opposition MP Ketan Lal echoed these sentiments, pointing out the lack of transparency surrounding Dr. Nakarawa’s leave and how it may erode public trust in the government. Both he and Sayed-Khaiyum have called for accountability from the government regarding this matter.
While the situation poses challenges, it also presents an opportunity for the Fijian government to reaffirm its commitment to constitutional integrity and public accountability. By addressing these governance issues transparently, the Prime Minister and his Cabinet may restore public trust and reinforce the importance of following legal frameworks, thereby potentially leading to positive reforms within Fiji’s governance practices.
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