Vakalalabure, Senibulu sacked as board now runs FSC

Police have started their investigation on sacked Fiji Sports Council (FSC) chief executive officer Ratu Gilbert Vakalalabure and operations manager Litia Senibulu.

This was confirmed to SUNsports yesterday by Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro.

“I can confirm that an investigation is underway following the receipt of the audit report,” Naisoro said.

She said they would not provide a time frame on the investigation.

Also, lawyer Tomasi Tuitoga of Haniff Tuitoga Law Firm (FSC legal representative) confirmed to SUNsports that Vakalalabure and Senibulu have been terminated.

He also indicated that the report has been sent to the Police for further investigations.

The independent forensic investigation report was prepared by accounting and advisory firm Pherrus Financial Services.

This was after allegations were made against FSC’s Vakalalabure and Senibulu, which led to their suspension on March 6.

Earlier on, a special meeting of the FSC board on February 17, reviewed the presentation of allegations with supporting evidence currently being delivered through local media and social media platforms.

It was resolved that the board would not dwell on the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption ruling (in clearing Vakalalabure) as the FICAC case has been closed. The acting commissioner of FICAC, Lavi Rokoika is Vakalalabure’s sister-in-law. She is married to Vakalalabure’s brother, Ratu Tevita Tangaroa Vakalalabure.

This resulted in the appointment of Pherrus to examine the fresh allegations levelled against the institution.

It is understood that the Pherrus report exceeded 100 pages, outlining several findings, including allegations involving the misuse of more than $1 million.

Vakalalabure was the People’s Alliance Party (PAP) frontman during the 2022 General Elections campaign in the Cakaudrove Province, where he had resided. With PAP forming government soon after that under Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, he was appointed to the FSC board where he became chairman. He later resigned from his chairmanship to become the FSC CEO.

The FSC board now runs the organisation .