Shadow Minister for Justice, Ketan Lal, has called for Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to take responsibility for what he describes as the Coalition Government’s persistent breaches of the 2013 Constitution. Lal expressed deep concern regarding the recent decision by Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga, to put Commissioner of Corrections Dr. Nakarawa on leave. He views this action as not only procedurally dubious but also an inappropriate overreach of ministerial authority.
Lal emphasized that the role of Commissioner of Corrections is independent, appointed directly by the President, and should not fall under the directives of any line minister regarding employment decisions. He referenced Section 137(4) of the 2013 Constitution, which allows the President to suspend the Commissioner and other officers based on advice from the Constitutional Offices Commission.
The Shadow Minister criticized Minister Turaga for what he sees as an infringement upon the powers of the Constitutional Offices Commission, suggesting that if there were legitimate concerns about the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS), they should have been addressed through appropriate legal channels. He noted that the lack of transparency regarding the allegations against Dr. Nakarawa erodes public trust in both the government and its institutions.
Additionally, Lal raised alarms over claims that Prime Minister Rabuka supports this decision, asserting that both the Prime Minister and the Minister for Justice lack the legal authority to force the Commissioner to take leave. He warned that these actions represent a misuse of power, undermining good governance and setting a worrisome precedent for political interference in independent institutions.
Dr. Nakarawa has reportedly not been informed of the specific allegations against him and has publicly contested the rationale for his leave. Lal pointed out that such trends of sidelining public officials appointed under the 2013 Constitution—citing previous instances involving DPP Pryde and now Dr. Nakarawa—reflect a troubling pattern.
He questioned whether the government may be targeting Dr. Nakarawa for acting with professionalism and indicated that this situation raises concerns over the independence of constitutional offices. Lal insisted that the Prime Minister should not simply dismiss these acts against the rule of law or shift responsibility to another minister, urging the government to provide clarity and accountability.
As the Opposition, Lal committed to holding the Rabuka administration accountable and reaffirming the importance of safeguarding the independence of vital institutions. He concluded by stating that Fiji’s democracy relies on leaders respecting the boundaries of their authority and the rule of law, a commitment owed to the citizens who elected them.
In summary, the article highlights a critical political dilemma in Fiji concerning the independence of constitutional roles and the assertion of ministerial powers. It underlines the necessity for transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law, which are foundational principles for a healthy democracy. The hope is that through ongoing advocacy and vigilance from opposition leaders, Fiji can strengthen its democratic institutions and uphold justice effectively.
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