Fiji’s suspended chief prosecutor, Christopher Pryde, has disclosed that the government discretely proposed a NZ$150,000 settlement for him to resign and avoid an inquiry into alleged misconduct. At 59 years old, Pryde, a New Zealander, rejected the offer, stating he could not afford to defend himself in the proceedings.
In an interview, Pryde accused the government of attempting to eliminate him as part of an “ethno-national agenda,” suggesting that foreign nationals and Indo-Fijians are being replaced by indigenous Fijians, or iTaukei. He criticized the hiring practices in Fiji for lacking meritocracy, claiming the government prioritizes placing iTaukei individuals in top positions.
Two months prior, the Judicial Services Committee (JSC) had presented Pryde with an out-of-court settlement offer in an effort to put an end to the ongoing inquiry. The offer required him to resign as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and in exchange, the JSC would consider the matter resolved. Pryde lamented that he prefers to leave with his reputation intact rather than accept a payout that he sees as an attempt to silence him.
Pryde’s troubles began after he was seen chatting with the former Attorney General at a public event, which led to allegations that he may have breached protocol by discussing an active police investigation. Despite these claims, Pryde asserts he had never seen the police file in question. Following his suspension in April 2023, his salary and benefits were revoked by the Fijian government.
The Fiji Law Society has expressed concerns regarding the inquiry process, highlighting the unfairness of proceeding without Pryde’s representation. They criticized the manner in which the inquiry is being conducted and emphasized the importance of procedural fairness under Fijian law.
As the inquiry’s final recommendations are due to be presented to President Naiqama Lalabalavu by December 23, Pryde anticipates that he will be officially removed from his position, with Nancy Tikoisuva taking over as acting chief prosecutor. He remains skeptical about the potential for an appeal, considering the lengthy nature of judicial processes.
This situation sheds light on broader issues regarding governance and justice within Fiji, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals in positions of power when they become embroiled in political disputes. As the case unfolds, it underscores the importance of transparency and fairness in judicial inquiries, showing that there is still hope for a system that values integrity and due process.
Summary: Christopher Pryde, suspended chief prosecutor of Fiji, claims the government secretly offered him NZ$150,000 to resign in exchange for avoiding an inquiry into alleged misconduct. He has rejected the offer, alleging that the government is pursuing an ethno-national agenda that prioritizes indigenous Fijians over others. Concerns about the fairness of the inquiry process have been raised by the Fiji Law Society. The outcome of the inquiry is expected by December 23, with Pryde anticipating his removal from office.
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