Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo is scheduled to take the oath as Chief Justice today at a ceremony set to take place at 10 am at the State House.
Efforts to reach Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Attorney-General Graham Leung for comments were not successful by the time this article was published.
Mr. Temo’s appointment has sparked criticism due to his simultaneous position as the chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). This body is currently facing scrutiny over its contentious recommendation of Barbara Malimali as Chief of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), a decision that is now under investigation by a Commission of Inquiry.
Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu released a statement last night regarding concerns about the integrity of government institutions and their leadership. He posed critical questions about the effectiveness of leadership within these institutions: “Recent events within various institutions of government raise a key question: Where is the leadership?”
Mr. Seruiratu criticized the perceived lack of accountability, especially within independent institutions, and he has called for immediate reforms to enhance good governance and restore institutional integrity. “How independent are these independent institutions? To whom are they answerable and accountable? These key questions must be addressed if we are serious about governance,” he stated.
He underscored the necessity for leaders to accept responsibility rather than evade accountability. “The absence of leadership has led to recent unfortunate events. People must know their limits and be guided by genuine leadership,” he concluded.
The ongoing developments reflect growing apprehensions regarding the transparency and accountability associated with major appointments in Fiji’s public institutions.
In summary, the appointment of Salesi Temo as Chief Justice has triggered significant dialogue around the principles of governance and accountability in Fiji’s institutional framework. This moment presents an opportunity for the country to address these concerns and push for reforms that could enhance the independence and integrity of its governing bodies. Such changes would ultimately benefit the public and help to restore faith in the judicial system.
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