In the wake of Lynda Tabuya’s recent removal from her position as the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu praised the Prime Minister for taking a firm stance. However, he expressed grave concerns surrounding potential misconduct involving both the former minister and the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Barbara Malimali.
Seruiratu noted Tabuya’s claims of being divorced since 2016, which would have exempted her from declaring her husband Robert Semaan’s assets. However, new information has emerged suggesting that they may still be married. This discrepancy raises significant issues regarding honesty and integrity—qualities that are crucial for public servants.
Additionally, Seruiratu highlighted a private video allegedly involving Tabuya that complicates her narrative, as she has indicated that the video is an intimate matter between her and her husband. This contradicts her previous statements of divorce, further damaging her credibility and the trust of the public in her leadership.
Considering Tabuya’s role as Co-Chair of the National Taskforce to Address Pornography in Fiji, Seruiratu called her position highly compromised due to the responsibilities associated with combating such serious issues. He emphasized that her actions not only tarnish her own reputation but also undermine the taskforce’s mission to protect children from online exploitation.
Seruiratu also raised concerns about Commissioner Malimali’s actions in closing Tabuya’s case based on potentially misleading information. He stressed the necessity of investigating whether there was any undue influence by Tabuya that led to this decision.
He urged for a transparent investigation to restore public confidence, as he believes public officials must maintain high standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. Seruiratu is set to bring this serious matter to Parliament to ensure it receives the attention it warrants, stating that the Fijian people deserve honest and accountable leadership.
In summary, this situation addresses critical issues about integrity within public office and highlights the essential role of transparency in maintaining public trust. The call for a thorough investigation could pave the way for restoring faith in governmental institutions and ensuring that leaders are held accountable for their actions, reminding the public that integrity must prevail in public service.
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