Shadow Minister for Justice Ketan Lal is calling on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to be accountable for the Coalition Government’s ongoing infringements of the 2013 Constitution. Lal expressed significant concern regarding the recent decision by Justice Minister Siromi Turaga to place Commissioner of Corrections Dr. Nakarawa on leave, deeming the action to be procedurally questionable and an overreach of ministerial power.
Lal emphasized that the position of Commissioner of Corrections is independent and appointed by the President, which means it is not subject to the directives of any minister regarding employment matters. According to Section 137(4) of the 2013 Constitution, the suspension of the Commissioner and other officers appointed by the Constitutional Offices Commission requires the President’s advice, not a ministerial push.
He criticized Minister Turaga for what he sees as an inappropriate assertion of authority, warning that this decision undermines public trust in the government and its institutions. Lal expressed that if there were valid concerns regarding the Fiji Corrections Service, the Minister should have approached the Constitutional Offices Commission lawfully rather than making a sudden and opaque decision.
Moreover, he highlighted the troubling implication that Prime Minister Rabuka may have endorsed this controversial decision, underscoring that both the Justice Minister and the Prime Minister do not possess the legal authority to obligate the Commissioner to take leave. Lal cautioned that such actions could set a concerning precedent for political interference in independent institutions, further threatening good governance principles.
Dr. Nakarawa has reportedly raised objections to the allegations, claiming he was not informed about them prior to his leave. Lal expressed alarm at this pattern of behavior, noting that the Coalition Government appears to be forming a habit of dismissing public officials appointed under the Constitution — previously registering concerns over the removal of DPP Pryde as well.
Lal questioned whether the government is targeting Dr. Nakarawa for his professional and impartial execution of duties, suggesting that the move may have been driven by political motivations. He asserted that the Coalition must reject the practice of undermining constitutional offices for political expediency.
As the Opposition, Lal vowed to hold the Rabuka administration accountable and to protect the independence of essential institutions. He concluded by affirming that Fiji’s democratic integrity hinges on leaders adhering to their authority’s limits and respecting the rule of law — a fundamental obligation owed to the electorate.
This situation presents an opportunity for the government to reaffirm its commitment to democratic principles by ensuring transparency and accountability. The willingness of opposition leaders to challenge the government’s decisions reflects a healthy exercise of democracy and the rule of law, ultimately aiming to safeguard the integrity of Fiji’s constitutional framework.
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