Power abuse allegations rock former Corrections Chief

The tribunal hearing into the suspension of Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa is currently underway, with three witnesses already having taken the stand.

These include Mr Nakarawa's stepson, Jeremaiah Yavala, who served as a temporary relieving officer at the FCS; Ioane Kalokalo from FCS Staff Building; and FCS principal officer Semi Roqica.

Mr Nakarawa is alleged to have abused his office by recruiting his stepson and five other individuals reportedly related to him. He is also accused of terminating the FCS senior medical officer and replacing her with his wife, Vakaloloma Nakarawa.

Further allegations include the demotion of three FCS officers with lower pay, while appointing Auta Moceisuva as Deputy Commissioner, Aguilar Namakadre as Assistant Commissioner, and James Koroitubuna as International Relations Officer.

Six more witnesses are expected to take the stand this afternoon.

The tribunal hearing which started at 2.30pm continues into the evening.