The appointment of an Acting Director of Public Prosecutions(DPP) will be made today.

This follows the untimely passing of the Acting DPP Ratu David Toganivalu at his home in Taro, Bau on Monday.

Minister for Lands Filimoni Vosarogo onfirmed the news of a new acting appointment yesterday as the Attorney-General Siromi Turaga is away on an official tour in Australia.

He could not confirm any names last night, but it is believed that a top contender is senior Suva lawyer, John Rabuku.

Mr Rabuku was earlier earmarked for the Deputy Director of Public Prosecution position.

Elizabeth Rice, Assistant DPP is also a top contender.

Solicitor-General Ropate Green met Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Minister Vosarogo yesterday and laid out that the Judicial Legal Services Commission, on the advice of the Attorney-General, would make the appointment.

He also confirmed there would be no disruptions to the high-profile cases Mr Toganivalu was handling.

This includes the case of former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and suspended Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho which is, scheduled for closing submissions today at the Magistrates Court, Suva.

The DPP is likely to seek for more time, in light of the circumstances.

Mr Toganivalu was appointed the Acting DPP on April 13, by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, following the suspension of Christopher Pryde from the position for allegations of misbehaviour.

Mr Pryde is yet to face a tribunal to determine his case. He is suspended with full pay.

Government tribute
Mr Vosarogo, while paying tribute on behalf of Government, said the late Mr Toganivalu’s passing was a great loss for so many, from those who loved and cared for him to the people of Fiji that he dedicated his life to serving.

He said Mr Toganivalu led a distinguished career spanning decades and was a highly qualified and dedicated legal professional.

“He was a seasoned prosecutor, having risen in the ranks and served as the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Fiji in 2009 and later as the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Republic of Nauru from 2014 to 2017,” Mr Vosarogo said.

“He was also recently appointed to act as Director of Public Prosecution Fiji and Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption this year.

“Positions he worked tirelessly in and devoted himself to completely until he was called to rest.”

Mr Toganivalu also had extensive experience in the private bar having opened and managed his own successful firm, Toganivalu Legal, where he acted as legal counsel in numerous high-profile cases.

“Mr Toganivalu was widely recognised and a respected member of the legal fraternity where his kind disposition, humility and integrity made a profound and lasting impression on all those who worked with him and met him.” Mr Vosarogo said.

“Mr Toganivalu will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.

“On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Fiji, I extend my deepest and most sincere condolences and pray that the Almighty God provides you with comfort during this difficult time.”

Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj