In the wake of Lynda Tabuya’s dismissal from her role as Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has praised the Prime Minister for his decisive action in the matter. However, he expressed serious concerns regarding potential criminality and a possible cover-up involving Tabuya and the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Barbara Malimali.
Seruiratu highlighted that Tabuya previously declared her divorce from Robert Semaan in 2016, which exempted her from disclosing his assets. Recent revelations, however, imply that they may still be married, raising significant questions about her honesty, transparency, and integrity—qualities that are essential for public servants.
Adding to the controversy, a private video of Tabuya has surfaced. While she claims it is a personal matter between herself and her husband, this contradicts her earlier statements regarding her marital status. This inconsistency has not only harmed her credibility but also affected public trust in her leadership. Given her role as Co-Chair of the National Taskforce to Address Pornography in Fiji, Seruiratu pointed out that her position is severely undermined due to the implications of her actions on the taskforce, which aims to combat pornography and safeguard children from online exploitation.
Seruiratu also raised alarms over the actions of FICAC Commissioner Malimali. He questioned the decision to close the investigation based on potentially misleading information, suggesting that there may have been undue influence from Tabuya in this matter. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of anti-corruption institutions, asserting that they should not be compromised by inappropriate influences.
As a response to the ongoing situation, Seruiratu is seeking clarification on Tabuya’s marital status and the implications surrounding her influence over Commissioner Malimali. He asserted that the actions of Tabuya have tarnished her office and eroded public trust in the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection.
In conclusion, Seruiratu called for a transparent investigation into these issues to restore public confidence, stating that the Fijian people deserve leadership characterized by honesty, transparency, and accountability. This situation underscores the essential need for integrity in public office and the commitment to uphold these values, which ultimately serves to enhance democratic governance and public trust.
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