Puamau Under Fire

The Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo has questioned Magistrate Seini Puamau’s Master’s Degree in Law after she failed to comply with the High Court’s decision.

Last Thursday, Magistrate Puamau granted an absolute discharge to the former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama while suspended Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho was given a conditional discharge – a fine of $1500.

Justice Puamau had announced that both convictions would not be registered.

This was against the decision of the High Court which gave a conviction ruling.

In a stern tone, Justice Temo said: “It was worth nothing having a Master’s Degree if you cannot follow the law.” 

It was a packed audience at the High Court in Suva yesterday.

FijiFirst supporters, the DPP lawyers, Police and the media filled the seats in the courtroom anticipating the Appeal’s first call.

Not only was the audience in a state of anticipation, but Acting Assistant Director of Public Prosecution, Laisani Tabuakuro, and colleague Nancy Tikoisuva, were all smiles as they walked in the courtroom two minutes before the court proceeding was to begin.

Defence lawyer Fatima Gul followed in her calm, composed manner.

During the court proceedings, Ms Tabuakuro acknowledged the court’s decision in highlighting the failure made by Magistrate Puamau.

“It is very encouraging to see that the High Court still had the wheels of justice and seen the red flags,” Ms Tabuakuro said.

In his response, Justice Temo informed the court there were four options available to him.

From left: DPP lawyer Nancy Tikoisuva, Acting Assistant Director of Public Prosecution Laisani Tabuakuro outside the High Court in Suva on April 3, 2024. Photo: Ronald Kumar

Ms Gul asked the State to let the matter take its course as it was no different from any other court proceeding.

Lead Defence counsel Devanesh Sharma was not in court yesterday because he was out of the country.

Justice Temo questioned the State on what grounds were they objecting bail as it was evident that the duo was attending all their court cases and had never missed one.

He said only and unless they absconded bail, would they be denied bail.

Justice Temo, while hearing Ms Tabuakuro, interrupted her after she made mention of the likely sentence that Bainimarama and Qiliho were supposed to be facing.

Justice Temo said she was pre-empting matters that weren’t yet on the floor and as far as he was concerned, there had not been any sentence placed in the High Court, except that of the Magistrate’s Court – they’ve just been found guilty, and their conviction discharged.

Justice Temo said Magistrate Puamau had “gone way off line” and this matter would also be heard.

Ms Gul then asked for a copy of the transcript of the proceedings.

Justice Temo has given both lawyers until April 24 before 4pm to file and serve their submission.

The State will file its response on April 29.

The matter was then adjourned to May 2 at 10.30am for hearing.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Puamau earned her Master’s of Law Degree with Distinction from Georgetown University Law Center in the United States in 2017.

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