Waqanika stay application ruling set for May 6

The High Court in Suva will deliver its ruling on Tanya Waqanika’s stay application on May 6.

In the application, Waqanika is challenging the appointment of the current Acting Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner, Lavinia Rokoika, citing that her appointment did not follow proper procedures and that all decisions she has made while holding the post should be regarded as null and void.

Samuela Savu and Barbara Malimali presented the applicant’s case, while Acting Commissioner Lavinia Rokoika and Joseph Work appeared for the respondents.

During proceedings, Madam Justice Siainiu Fa’alogo Bull dismissed the applicant’s request to cross-examine FICAC investigator Laisa Maravu, who had deposed an affidavit in support of Ms Rokoika’s appointment.

Mr Savu argued in court that Ms Maravu had deposed in her affidavit that there was evidence of Ms Rokoika’s appointment; however, that letter was not disclosed.

He said this was not sufficient, as Ms Maravu had provided other documents for the stay application.

Mr Savu also noted that the respondents were relying heavily on Justice Dane Tuiqereqere’s ruling to support that Ms Rokoika was carrying out her duties as Acting Commissioner.

Mr Work objected to the application, stating that the matter was a trial issue.