21 Days - People’s Alliance to decide Tabuya’s fate

The ousted Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lyn­da Tabuya, will know her fate within the People's Alliance (PA) party in the next 21 days.

This follows a meeting of the party's executive committee at its Knolly Street headquar­ters in Suva yesterday to for­malise her disciplinary hear­ing.

Ms Tabuya now faces her second disciplinary review within the party.

In February this year, she was brought before the com­mittee over allegations of a sex and drug scandal involv­ing a fellow minister. This led to her removal as the party's deputy leader.

In March, the party issued a statement describing the scandal and its related allega­tions as having caused "poten­tially irreparable damage" to its reputation.

Her current predicament stems from an explicit video leaked on Christmas Eve showing her dancing nude, which she admitted was authentic.

Ms Tabuya claimed the video was intended for her husband, Robert Semaan, whom she divorced in 2016 according to FICAC’s investigation.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka then dismissed her from her ministerial role on December 26. Yesterday, Mr Rabuka took part in the executive committee meeting virtually from Savusavu.

Independent disciplinary process

The PA’s general secretary, Sila Balawa, confirmed the disciplinary process would proceed in accordance with the party’s constitution.

“The disciplinary committee has 21 days to complete its work and return with findings and recommendations. We are ensuring that the process remains independent, protecting its integrity and privacy,” Mr Balawa said.

Ms Tabuya will have the opportunity to present her side of the story.

“We want to hear all sides to conduct this properly. When appropriate, we will update the media,” Mr Balawa added.

The names of the current disciplinary committee members have not been disclosed. However, the previous committee included Minister for Lands Filimoni Vosarogo and chaired by Alefina Vuki, Finau Soqo, Lanoma Singh and Ranjit Charan.

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