Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has taken the step to include the Department of Immigration and the Fiji Police Force under his direct oversight. This decision follows the voluntary offer from the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, to temporarily step back amid ongoing investigations into the activities of the Department of Immigration. Rabuka emphasized that this realignment was made in accordance with his constitutional authority as outlined in Section 92(3) of the Republic of Fiji’s Constitution.
Despite this transition, Tikoduadua will maintain his role as Minister for Defence, where he will oversee the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and Veterans’ Affairs. He will continue to receive support from Mason Smith, who will remain as the Permanent Secretary for Defence and Veterans Affairs.
These structural changes will be operational starting tomorrow.
This strategic move by Prime Minister Rabuka signals a decisive approach to governance, aiming to enhance accountability and transparency within vital governmental departments. By taking personal charge of these areas, the Prime Minister may be paving the way for reforms that ensure the integrity of immigration practices and law enforcement in Fiji, ultimately fostering public trust and security.
In a broader context, this reassignment could be perceived as a positive step towards strengthening the foundations of governance in Fiji during a time of scrutiny and transition.
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