PM defends Constitutional Offices Commission independence amid Naucukidi court case
Sitiveni Rabuka says the CoC operates independently, as Acting Corrections Commissioner faces criminal intimidation charge.
Tuesday 07 October 2025 | 23:00
Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service Sevuloni Naucukidi outside the Suva Courthouse on October 7, 2025.
Photo: Ronald Kumar
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has downplayed concerns over Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service Sevuloni Naucukidi’s continued tenure while facing a criminal intimidation charge.
Mr Rabuka, who chairs the Constitutional Offices Commission (CoC), said the body operated independently and was guided by the principle of separation of powers.
“The CoC is independent, just as the courts are, and we all observe the principle of separation of powers so none can interfere with the functions or decisions of the others,” he said.
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Naucukidi appeared before Suva Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne yesterday, where he was granted bail and permitted to travel to New Zealand for official duties. The State did not object to his application.
He was ordered to return to Fiji by October 15 and appear in court on October 17 to surrender his passport and take his plea. It is alleged that in July, Naucukidi threatened a member of his support staff.
However, late last night, Naucukidi withdrew from the ministerial delegation to New Zealand, citing the need to prioritise his responsibilities at home.
The Ministry of Justice confirmed that Naucukidi wrote to Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga, thanking him for the opportunity but saying he would remain in Fiji to focus on his duties.
Mr Turaga said he respected the decision, commending Naucukidi for maintaining leadership and stability within the Corrections Service “during this period.”
