Abolish FICAC, return corruption probes to Police: CRC told

Another proposal has emerged for the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has to be abolished and its powers returned to the Fiji Police Force (FPF).

The submission was presented before the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) at Nasautoka Village during consultations in Wainibuka yesterday.

Tonia Village headman Kitione Rokosuka argued that investigations on corruption should be handled by the Police rather than a separate institution.

Authority Mr Rokosuka said the Police already possess the legal authority and experience to investigate criminal offences, including corruption-related cases.

“FPF should be given the responsibility to investigate corruption cases. We do not need separate bodies carrying out similar work,” he said.

The CRC was told that maintaining multiple agencies with overlapping responsibilities could lead to inefficiencies and unnecessary use of public resources.

However, strengthening existing institutions would be a more practical approach than retaining separate bodies to perform similar functions.

“We should empower the Police to carry out these duties and ensure they have the resources to do their work properly,” Mr Rokosuka said.

His proposal was among a range of submissions heard by the CRC, which continues gathering public views on possible changes to the 2013 Constitution.