Rabuka awaits complaint on Turaga
"I have not received a complaint or any concerns about Siromi Turaga, whereas other ministers have faced direct complaints," Mr Rabuka said.
Wednesday 15 January 2025 | 09:05
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed he has not received any formal complaints against Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga.
The PM was responding to queries following mounting criticisms from political commentators and the public on social media following Mr Turaga's announcement last Thursday that Commissioner of Corrections Jalesi Nakarawa was placed on "extended leave."
He cited reports of serious incidents and potential breaches within the Fiji Corrections Service as reasons for his decision.
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However, the move was revealed to be outside his authority, as such actions fall under the Constitutional Offices Commission's remit.
This has reignited criticism of Mr Turaga's ministerial performance.
"I have not received a complaint or any concerns about Siromi Turaga, whereas other ministers have faced direct complaints," Mr Rabuka said.
Asked whether he considers Mr Turaga incompetent, Mr Rabuka replied: "One Prime Minister has not said that . . . "
People's Alliance party general secretary Sila Balawa said: "No one has written to the party regarding Mr Turaga."
Mr Turaga had previously been linked to the suspension of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Christopher Pryde on 13 April 2023.
Mr Pryde's suspension reportedly followed a lengthy conversation with former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum during a social event at the Japanese Ambassador's residence on 28 February 2023.
On October 8, 2024, a photo of Mr Turaga alongside Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Barbara Malimali and Deputy DPP John Rabuku, shared on the Minister for Justice Facebook page, raised questions.
The photo was taken during an event at the Grand Pacific Hotel for a Japanese delegation.
Adding to the scrutiny, on April 5, 2024, the Fijian Elections Office referred an alleged abuse of office case involving Mr Turaga to FICAC.
Mr Rabuku later reviewed Ms Malimali's involvement in the case in consultation with Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva.
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