Saukuru Summoned

Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka has summoned the Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru for a meeting.

This comes after Saukuru was willing to repay the cost of his wife’s business class ticket to New Zealand which was paid under the Fiji Sports Council (FSC) and Fiji Airways travel benefit.

Rabuka confirmed that a request was submitted on January 20, 2025 by the Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports seeking approval Saukuru to accompany the FSC’s Under-20 rugby sevens team.

However, the PM said the application made made no reference to Saukuru being accompanied by his spouse.

 “In light of questions raised about this trip and other matters relating to the FSC, which falls under Minister Saukuru’s portfolio, I have summoned the Minister to a one-on-one meeting,” Rabuka said yesterday.

  The NZ trip was from January 28 to February 5, 2025 and the request followed an invitation from the FSC and was approved.

 “While Ministers may be accompanied by their spouse on official travel—either at the Minister’s own cost or where sponsored by a host country—such arrangements must be clearly stated in the original submission. This information should have formed part of the request and is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

 “With regard to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, the 2013 Constitution is clear. Under Section 115(6), FICAC is an independent body, and neither I nor the Government has the authority to direct or control it,” Rabuka added.

 The matter surfaced after complaints alleging misuse of council benefits involving Ratu Gilbert Vakalalabure who, at the time, was executive chair of FSC.

Vakalalabure was investigated by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) but has since been cleared.

Saukuru said he and his wife accepted the invitation “in good faith” and did not expect it to lead to a complaint.

FICAC still silent

Meanwhile, FICAC has not publicly explained its decision to clear Mr Vakalalabure.

Mr Saukuru confirmed he received a letter from FICAC last week stating that Mr Vakalalabure had been found “not guilty”. 

The letter was shared with board members during a meeting on Monday.

Questions sent to acting FICAC Commissioner Lavi Rokoika on Thursday were not answered when this publication went to press.