FICAC boss under fire

The integrity of Fiji’s anti-corruption watchdog has again come under scrutiny, with fresh allegations of nepotism and abuse of office levelled against Acting Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Lavinia Rokoika.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka yesterday said the claims “have to be investigated” after a whistleblower complaint was lodged this week with the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) and the Commissioner of Police.

The complaint raises concerns about recruitment decisions, alleged conflicts of interest and internal conduct within FICAC at a time when its leadership remains legally contested.

At the centre of the latest complaint is the hiring of Ulamila Vakalalabure as a junior state counsel.

She is the daughter of Gilbert Vakalalabure, chief executive of the Fiji Sports Council, who was recently cleared of corruption allegations in a decision made by Ms Rokoika, his sister-in-law.

The whistleblower alleges the timing creates, at minimum, a serious conflict of interest.

Sources close to the recruitment process rejected the claims, saying proper procedures were followed and that Ms Rokoika was not involved in the hiring.

Further allegations include possible breaches of confidentiality and a workplace environment described as one of “fear and intimidation”.

“When the very agency tasked with investigating corruption begins to suppress constitutional rights,” the complaint said, “the integrity of the entire justice system is at risk.”