Tribunal will go on despite FICAC clearance: Rabuka
"There was a list of complaints that came, and the tribunal will have to deal with all of them. It will still go ahead," he said.
Friday 11 April 2025 | 03:01
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed that a tribunal will proceed to investigate allegations of misconduct against suspended Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa-despite the case being closed by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Mr Rabuka said the tribunal would consider a broader list of complaints beyond the specific case investigated by FICAC.
"There was a list of complaints that came, and the tribunal will have to deal with all of them. It will still go ahead," he said.
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FICAC recently announced it had completed its investigation into Mr Nakarawa's appointment of his wife to a position within the corrections service.
It concluded that no criminal offence had been committed.
The commission explained that under Section 130(7) of the 2013 Constitution, the Corrections Commissioner holds the authority to make such appointments, including for roles like the one filled by Mr Nakarawa's wife.
However, FICAC acknowledged public concerns.
"While no legal breach has been identified, FICAC notes that the situation underscores the importance of exercising discretion with care-especially in senior leadership roles where public perception is critical," the commission said.
"Appointments involving close relations, regardless of legality, can be viewed by the public as nepotism."
The PM's confirmation signals that the tribunal will explore a broader scope of alleged misconduct linked to Mr Nakarawa, beyond what FICAC assessed.
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