FICAC must welcome scrutiny, says Usamate

Opposition Member of Parliament Jone Usamate fired back at Acting Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Lavi Rokoika yesterday, saying democracy required scrutiny not silence from constitutional bodies.

Mr Usamate questioned Ms Rokoika’s recent call for Members of Parliament and public to “refrain from further commentary” on FICAC matters.

“That is not how democracy works. That is not how constitutional oversight works. And that is certainly not how public trust is earned,” Mr Usamate said in a statement yesterday.

“If FICAC is to be truly independent, then it must welcome scrutiny, not silence. And if its leadership is to be respected, then it must be earned, not appointed by convenience.”

‘Stay in your lane’

His comments followed Ms Rokoika’s statement on Tuesday where she told him to “stay in your lane” and respect the constitutional separation of powers after he questioned when terminated FICAC officers would be reinstated.

Mr Usamate also questioned Ms Rokoika’s appointment; he said someone with no prosecutorial background or anti-corruption enforcement experience was leading Fiji’s top anti-corruption agency.

“FICAC is not a courtroom for private disputes. It is a constitutional body tasked with investigating and prosecuting corruption at the highest levels,” he said.

‘Who appointed her?’

He questioned who appointed her (Ms Rokoika). He pointed that the Constitution empowers the Judicial Services Commission to appoint the FICAC Commissioner, not the Prime Minister or Cabinet.

Mr Usamate also asked why someone based overseas was appointed when qualified professionals existed in Fiji, adding that officers could be promoted from within FICAC itself.

He insisted his role as Opposition required scrutinising appointments and processes serving the people.

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