PM Wants Explanation from Acting FCS Commissioner

The Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) has given Acting Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) Commissioner, Sevuloni Naucukidi, seven days to respond to allegations levelled against him.

Following the COC meeting yesterday; Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told this masthead that the commission was worried about the issues surfacing within the corrections service.

"We are concerned, the COC is concerned, so we have given him seven days to respond to the subsequent complaints that have come up," Mr Rabuka said.

"Upon receipt of his response, the COC will be given seven days to decide on his responses."

In a statement yesterday, the FCS pleaded with the public to respect the rule of law, refrain from making personal attacks, and allow the Police to deal with the issue.

"The FCS assures all, that the truth will see the light of day and has given the Fiji Police Force all its support in their investigations," the statement said.

A staff member had lodged a Police complaint against Mr Naucukidi for alleged criminal intimidation.

Reliable sources say Mr Naucukidi had confronted the staff member about rumours circulating within the service and that he allegedly threatened to punch the staff member and harm his staff member's family.

Mr Rabuka said the COC discussed matters involving Mr Naucukidi and suspended Corrections Commissioner, Jalesi Nakarawa.

He said investigations into matters involving Mr Nakarawa had concluded.

"All those issues, the suspended, and the acting Commissioner, the papers were brought to the COC for decisions," he said.

"The decisions have been made, and it is only correct that the Secretariat of the Commission, that is the Solicitor-General, should give the report."

Under the 2013 Constitution, the COC is mandated to appoint the Corrections Commissioner, among other key appointments.

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