Stay away: PM tells Saukuru

Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru is on shaky ground as his future will be decided after the completion of an independent investigation, that was ordered by the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

Rabuka told SUNSports last Saturday that he was disappointed at the number of complaints he had received through all sorts of sources.

Rabuka added that he cannot ascertain the creditability of the sources hence the call for an independent investigation.

The PM has also advised Saukuru not to interfere with the investigation.

“I have decided to call for an Investigation to determine whether there has been negligence, even unacceptable practices in the ministry and the Fiji Sports Council,” Rabuka told SUNSports.

“On receipt of the investigation I will give him an opportunity to answer the issues found unacceptable, in seven days.

“His future as a member of Cabinet will depend on the end result of both.”

The investigation is on allegations relating to his wife’s January 2025 travel to New Zealand under the Fiji Sports Council (FSC) and Fiji Airways contra deal.

Rabuka said in a statement last Friday that the investigation will also examine allegations of the abuse of funds levelled against FSC chief executive officer Ratu Gilbert Vakalalabure.

Vakalalabure had earlier been investigated and cleared of any wrongdoing by the acting Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption Commissioner (FICAC) Lavi Rokoika.

Rokoika is his sister in law. She is married to Vakalalabure’s brother and lawyer, Tevita Tangaroa.

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj