Editorial: FICAC must come clean

The word “non-sensical,” used by former Fiji Broadcasting Corporation chief executive officer Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum after his acquittal yesterday alongside Vimlesh Sagar, is a serious blow to the credibility of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).

Wikipedia says nonsensical means something not intelligible, logic, sensible purpose, foolish, absurd, lacks sense or truth, silly, ridiculous, meaningless, or senseless.

The case involving the tender and procurement of a $207,470 Volkswagen, later auctioned and allegedly bought by one of the tenderers, raises questions that FICAC must answer. This is not the first case to be withdrawn or discontinued. The public should know why.

FICAC was set-up to investigate and combat corruption, uphold accountability and protect Fijians.

Every failed court case wastes public resources, taxpayers’ money, staff hours, and court time. Nation building and infrastructure improvement is needed, not resources wasted on failed cases. Repeated withdrawals demand scrutiny and explanations.

Are investigations sufficiently thorough? Are cases being prepared well to required legal standard? Is the commission operating independently? Are there political interference and influence? Leaders should speak out now.

Meanwhile, where is the Acting Commissioner Lavinia Rokoika? She’s reportedly been absent from the office for weeks without formally notifying the Judicial Services Commission. Who is overseeing FICAC’s daily operations, and has the appropriate authority been informed?

Government must ensure that FICAC operates transparently, independently and lawfully. Leadership disputes, if any, must never undermine FICAC. Fiji needs a strong anti-corruption watchdog, not a toothless tiger. Fijians deserves answers. FICAC and leaders must come clean. Those responsible for its oversight must ensure that justice is pursued without fear, favour or political protection.