Vosarogo's A-G Appointment Under Review

Government will review the appointment of Filimoni Vosarogo as Attorney - General, in the October 13 cabinet reshuffle announcement.

Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua said this was to ensure that all constitutional mandates and principles are adhered to in the appointment process. Government remains in dialogue with legal stalwarts, including the Fiji Law Society. Government want to ensure that its steps forward are informed, measured, and reflective of expert opinions.

When questioned if this was a move government should have done before the appointments were made, Mr Tikoduadua said the decisions were the Prime Minister’s prerogative.

“In this case, he has looked at the decision he has made and for good reasons, sooner or later his deliberations will be made public,” Mr Tikoduadua said.

“Government is committed to the 2013 Constitution which remained a cornerstone of Fiji’s democracy.

“The concerns regarding Section 96(2)(b) and the suitability of Vosarogo for the role of Attorney General are under serious consideration.

“Our duty to uphold every article and provision of the Constitution cannot and will not be compromised.

“Particularly those involving key appointments, are made with the utmost integrity, professionalism and adherence to our established legal frameworks.”

RFMF concerns 

Mr Tikoduadua met with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka yesterday to discuss and address the issue.

Mr Tikoduadua had raised the concerns made by the RFMF in his meeting with the Prime Minister.

In a letter to Mr Tikoduadua, Major-General Kalouniwai had noted RFMF concerns on the appointment and its compliance to the 2013 Constitution.

Mr Vosarogo’s as proposed Attorney-General appointment in a recent cabinet reshuffle came under the spotlight after it was deemed illegal, breaching section 96(2)(b) of the 2013 Constitution.

Mr Vosarogo, as a legal practitioner, pleaded guilty to a number of disciplinary proceedings before the Independent Legal Services Commission in 2013, 2017, 2022, disqualifying him from the appointment. The Fiji Law Society has threatened to take the matter to court if government does not withdraw the appointment.

As of yesterday, Mr Siromi Turaga remains the Attorney-General of Fiji.

The review 

“Recognising the importance of faith in our democratic systems, we pledge a transparent and accountable approach for all significant governmental appointments in the future,” Mr Tikoduadua said.

“We understand the gravity of the situation and its implications for our nation.”

Mr Tikoduadua said Mr Rabuka will make an announcement regarding the position of A-G in due course.

“The nation can trust that the decision will be in the best interest of our democracy and its pillars,” he said

RFMF and issues of national interest 

Mr Tikoduadua said they welcome the move made by the RFMF to raise their concerns with their line ministry at any time.

“I think we have reached the conversation where we the military, government and the people of Fiji, we are one. The interest of our people and government is at the heart of our conversations.

“We have discussed with the Commander certain things we can make better and how government can be responsive and how we can make that better in the future.

“We extend our gratitude to the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces for his invaluable insights and to the Fijian people for their understanding and patience.”

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