The Attorney-General, Graham Leung, has recognized John Rabuku’s appointment as the deputy Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). This announcement comes five weeks after Rabuku stepped down from his role as acting DPP. The new appointment was disclosed by acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva on Wednesday.
Previously, in light of a Supreme Court opinion deeming Rabuku’s acting DPP appointment as ‘ineligible’, Leung had requested Rabuku to leave the position. He emphasized that the DPP holds the constitutional authority to appoint their own staff.
Leung stated, “By law that is a decision made by the DPP alone, or the person acting in that position; and not one made by the Judicial Services Commission or the Attorney-General. There was no legal requirement or obligation to consult me on this, or seek my approval.”
He further explained that if the acting DPP were to take leave, it does not automatically follow that the deputy would take on those responsibilities.