Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced today that Pio Tikoduadua, the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, has been temporarily relieved of his duties in light of recent events within the Department of Immigration. An Acting Minister has been appointed, though Rabuka did not disclose their identity.
The Prime Minister referred to the situation as a “sad chapter” that highlights issues of leadership and administration within the department. He stated that he would be engaging in discussions with the Acting Minister regarding pressing matters, while emphasizing the seriousness of the circumstances.
In addition to Tikoduadua’s suspension, the Director of Immigration and several senior officials within the department have also been suspended. This follows Tikoduadua’s revelation on Thursday that there are concerns regarding the unauthorized issuance of passports to children related to individuals implicated in the Grace Road human rights allegations. He clarified that these passports appeared to have been issued without his consent or the approval of the Permanent Secretary, as well as without authorization from the department’s senior management.
In an effort to address these troubling issues, Tikoduadua expressed his intention to step aside temporarily to facilitate a thorough inquiry into the matter.
This situation underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in government operations. As the inquiry progresses, it is hoped that it will lead to strengthened protocols and better governance within the department, ensuring that such unauthorized actions do not occur in the future. The commitment to address these issues could potentially restore confidence in the leadership and operations of the Home Affairs and Immigration ministry.
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