Opposition MP Jone Usamate has issued a stark warning about the implications of legal precedent, emphasizing that the same standards previously celebrated by the government are now being applied against it. In a pointed statement, Mr. Usamate remarked that the law remains impartial and does not accommodate political sentiments, effectively cautioning his colleagues that strict adherence to established legal standards is crucial.
“The funny thing about legal precedent is that it doesn’t care about your feelings. Once you set a standard to bury your opponent, you have already dug your own grave,” Mr. Usamate said, highlighting the precarious position of the current government.
He referenced the historical case from 2024, when former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama was imprisoned for suggesting someone avoid a certain file. Usamate noted, “In 2024, this government cheered when Frank Bainimarama was sent to jail. They sharpened that sword themselves. Now, that same sword is at their own throats.”
Mr. Usamate pointed to a recent ruling by the High Court that found Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka had acted unlawfully in terminating Barbara Malimali. “The High Court has ruled that Prime Minister Rabuka acted unlawfully and beyond his powers,” he stated.
Drawing a sharp contrast between the two cases, he remarked, “In 2024, a man was jailed for a verbal nudge. In 2026, the current Prime Minister executed a formal, documented illegal removal of a constitutional officer, bypassing the Judicial Services Commission entirely.”
Furthermore, he referenced Prime Minister Rabuka’s own admission of sole responsibility in the matter, insisting that accountability must follow. “He broke the law alone, and if we are to respect the 2024 precedent, he must face the consequences alone,” Usamate reinforced.
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Usamate stressed the importance of upholding the law in leadership positions. “The law is a straight line. If you cannot walk it, you have no business leading the march.” His comments underscore the expectation that those in power must remain accountable to the rule of law, setting a hopeful tone for governance that prioritizes legality and integrity.
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