The former Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, will learn her outcome within the People’s Alliance (PA) party in the following 21 days. This announcement comes after a meeting of the PA’s executive committee held yesterday at their headquarters in Suva, where they formalized her disciplinary hearing.
This marks Ms. Tabuya’s second disciplinary review within the party. Earlier this year, she faced scrutiny during a February meeting regarding allegations linked to a sex and drug scandal involving another minister, which ultimately led to her ousting as the party’s deputy leader. A statement from the party in March characterized the scandal as having caused “potentially irreparable damage” to its reputation.
The current situation revolves around an explicit video that was leaked on Christmas Eve, in which Ms. Tabuya is seen dancing nude. She has acknowledged the video’s authenticity, explaining that it was meant for her ex-husband, Robert Semaan, from whom she divorced in 2016, as per an investigation by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka dismissed her from her ministerial position on December 26. During the recent executive committee meeting, Mr. Rabuka participated virtually from Savusavu.
According to Sila Balawa, the PA’s general secretary, the disciplinary process will follow the party’s constitution. “The disciplinary committee has 21 days to complete its work and return with findings and recommendations. We are ensuring that the process remains independent, protecting its integrity and privacy,” Mr. Balawa mentioned. Ms. Tabuya will have a chance to share her perspective on the matter. He emphasized the importance of hearing all viewpoints to conduct a proper evaluation and mentioned that the media would be updated appropriately. The specific members of the current disciplinary committee have not been disclosed, though members from the previous committee included Minister for Lands Filimoni Vosarogo, chaired by Alefina Vuki, alongside Finau Soqo, Lanoma Singh, and Ranjit Charan.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges within political parties, emphasizing the necessity for transparency and due process in handling internal disputes. It remains hopeful that Ms. Tabuya will get a fair chance to represent her side, and that the PA will navigate this situation with integrity, maintaining the party’s values and reputation.
Summary: Lynda Tabuya faces a disciplinary hearing within the People’s Alliance party related to past allegations and a recent explicit video leak. The party has initiated an independent review process that will conclude in 21 days, wherein she can present her side.
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