Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that he has yet to receive a comprehensive explanation from Justice Minister Siromi Turaga regarding the recent suspension of Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, the Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service. This action has drawn criticism and is being viewed by some as a potential abuse of authority. Following the announcement from Turaga placing Dr. Nakarawa on leave amidst allegations of breaches and complaints, the Prime Minister confirmed that Nakarawa has since returned to work.

During a media engagement, Rabuka expressed concern that Turaga acted unilaterally, failing to consult him before making the suspension decision. Turaga cited serious incidents within the corrections service that warranted an immediate investigation and raised concerns about governance and administration.

When questioned about perceived double standards in the treatment of former Minister for Women and Children, Lynda Tabuya, compared to Turaga, Rabuka refrained from commenting while asserting the importance of seeking clarity from Turaga. Notably, despite the absence of formal complaints against Turaga, the Prime Minister indicated that he does not plan to take punitive measures against him for what many view as a constitutional misstep.

Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum criticized Turaga’s actions, emphasizing that, under Section 130(4) of the Fijian Constitution, the authority for appointing and disciplining the Commissioner lies with the President, not the Justice Minister. Sayed-Khaiyum stated that any disciplinary actions concerning constitutional officers should follow due process and be managed by the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC).

Opposition MP Ketan Lal also voiced concerns regarding the lack of transparency surrounding Dr. Nakarawa’s suspension. He warned that such actions could undermine public trust in governmental institutions and have called for clearer accountability from the government.

This unfolding situation presents a critical opportunity for the Fijian government to reaffirm its commitment to constitutional integrity and public accountability. By addressing these governance issues openly and adhering to legal protocols, Prime Minister Rabuka and his Cabinet can work towards restoring trust and emphasizing the importance of following constitutional processes, ultimately leading to potential positive reforms within Fiji’s governance framework.

In summary, while challenges remain, there is hope that this discourse may foster necessary changes that strengthen the public’s confidence in the legal and governance systems of Fiji.