PSC slams PS over Facebook posts against minister

Public Service Commission (PSC) chairman Luke Rokovada has condemned Facebook commentaries posted by the Permanent Secretary for iTaukei Affairs, Jone Navakamocea, raising allegations against the Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu.

Speaking to this masthead, Mr Rokovada said the Commission and Government did not condone critical commentary from public servants against Government ministers, institutions, or an individual.

Mr Navakamocea was warned several times because of his critical Facebook commentaries.

“You cannot be a senior official of Government, and not uphold the values, conduct, and integrity of the public service,” Mr Rokovada said.

“He is on leave overseas and returns on Monday. We will meet with him when he resumes work on Monday.”

In one of his Facebook posts on Friday, Mr Navakamocea questioned his line minister (Mr Vasu) on who gave him the authority to stop the Fiji Holdings Limited dividend payments to the 14 provinces in Fiji, saying that he would report the matter to the Ministry of Finance’s internal audit team to investigate the minister and those advising him.

Mr Navakamocea also claimed that Mr Vasu wanted him out of the ministry by writing a letter to the Prime Minister.

Responding to the allegations, Mr Vasu said decisions regarding dividend payments would have to come from the board.

“I didn’t stop anything. He needs to find the facts and present them,” Mr Vasu said.

“I was not influenced by any-body. No payment was stopped. He should follow proper processes and procedures if he wants to raise any complaint.”

Asked whether Mr Navakamocea will remain his permanent secretary, Mr Vasu referred the ques-tion to the PSC.

The deputy secretary for iTaukei Affairs is currently Acting Permanent Secretary.

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