I don't want to disturb: PM on Saukuru

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is yet to have his one-on-one meeting with Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru.

Rabuka summoned Saukuru last Friday after the minister was eager to repay the cost of his wife’s business class airline ticket, which was paid under the Fiji Sports Council and Fiji Airways contra deals.

When questioned on the result of their meeting and whether he would sack Saukuru, Rabuka told SunSports yesterday: “I didn’t have it. I didn’t want to disturb his participation with other ministers at the Commonwealth Law Ministers’ meeting.”

Saukuru earlier said that the trip was an invitation by FSC chief executive officer Ratu Gilbert Vakalalabure and they accepted it in good faith. He had no clue it would lead to a complaint.

Vakalalabure has declined to comment on the matter and referred all queries to his lawyer and brother, Ratu Tevita Tangaroa.

Vakalalabure was investigated on the alleged misuse of the contra deals and has been cleared by acting FICAC Commissioner Lavi Rokoika who is the wife of Tangaroa.