Biman Prasad resigns, Esrom Emmanuel is Acting Finance Minister

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, Biman Prasad, has officially resigned from Cabinet following a charge laid against him by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).

In a statement released this afternoon, Mr Prasad confirmed that he met with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at his residence to personally inform him of his decision.

“…in view of the FICAC charge served on me yesterday, I believe I must step aside,” Mr Prasad said.

He said that he intends to address the charge swiftly and through proper legal channels, with his lawyers already working on the matter.

“I also told the Prime Minister that I intend to deal with this charge in the shortest possible time and in accordance with proper legal process. My lawyers are dealing with this expeditiously,” Mr Prasad said.

“The Prime Minister has assured me of his personal support while I do so. I am grateful to him for that assurance,” he said.

Mr Prasad thanked many individuals who sent messages of support and encouragement, acknowledging the challenges that come with political leadership.

He shared that one thing he learned in the past 11 years of political leadership is that it involves many challenges, often from unexpected places.

“This is just one more of those challenges to be dealt with calmly, patiently, and as swiftly as possible,” he said.

He also thanked the National Federation Party (NFP) parliamentary caucus for their unity and support, reaffirming his commitment to public service.

“Politics is service. At times, service demands sacrifice and commitment. The rewards of service are not measured in money or power.”

Mr Prasad confirmed that he will remain a Member of Parliament and will return to Parliament next Monday as a backbencher, continuing to represent and serve the people of Fiji.

Also this afternoon, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka confirmed receiving Mr Prasad’s formal resignation.

In response to the resignation, Mr Rabuka thanked Mr Prasad and his family for their cooperation and support during their time serving together in Cabinet.

To ensure continuity in government operations, Assistant Minister for Finance Esrom Emmanuel has been appointed as Acting Minister for Finance, taking over key financial and commerce portfolios previously held by Mr Prasad and former Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica, who also resigned last week following separate charges.

The Cabinet reshuffle comes amid growing political pressure and legal scrutiny, with Mr Rabuka reiterating that “no one is above the law” and affirming his commitment to maintaining government stability.