Ketan Lal, the Shadow Minister for Justice, has called on the Prime Minister to accept accountability for what he describes as the Coalition Government’s ongoing breaches of the 2013 Constitution. His remarks follow the recent decision by Justice Minister Siromi Turaga to put Commissioner of Corrections Dr. Nakarawa on leave—a move Lal has criticized as procedurally questionable and an infringement on ministerial power.
Lal highlighted that the role of the Commissioner of Corrections is constitutionally independent and appointed by the President, thereby not subject to directives from a minister concerning employment issues. He pointed out that the 2013 Constitution’s Section 137(4) outlines that only the President, on the advice of the Constitutional Offices Commission, can suspend the Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service.
In his statement, Lal stressed that Minister Turaga’s action reflects a significant misunderstanding of the ministerial boundaries and criticized the lack of transparency regarding the allegations against Dr. Nakarawa. He suggested that if there were concerns regarding the Fiji Corrections Service, they should have been addressed through the proper channels and by involving the Constitutional Offices Commission.
The sudden decision to sideline Dr. Nakarawa without clear communication only serves to erode public trust in governmental institutions, according to Lal. He expressed alarm over reports suggesting that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka supports the move, asserting that both the Minister for Justice and the Prime Minister lack the legal authority to enforce such a decision.
Lal sees this trend in the Coalition Government of replacing constitutional officers, such as the Director of Public Prosecutions, as troubling. He raised critical questions about whether the government is targeting officials who uphold their duties with professionalism and independence from political pressures.
He urged PM Rabuka not to dismiss allegations against his administration’s adherence to the rule of law and emphasized the necessity for clarity and accountability in governance. Lal reaffirmed the Opposition’s commitment to ensuring that the independence of vital institutions is protected, stating that democracy thrives when leaders operate within their legal frameworks and honor the electorate’s choices.
In summary, this position taken by Lal underscores the importance of adhering to constitutional norms and safeguarding institutional integrity. It highlights a critical moment for Fiji’s political landscape, where the balance of power, accountability, and public trust is under scrutiny. The call for responsible governance resonates as a reminder of the collective commitment to uphold democratic principles in Fiji.
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