Vakalalabure declines comment on NZ trip claim

Fiji Sports Council (FSC) chief executive officer Ratu Gilbert Vakalalabure has directed all questions to his lawyer and younger brother, Ratu Tevita Tangaroa. 

When contacted yesterday, Vakalalabure said he would not answer any questions regarding the alleged misuse of FSC and Fiji Airways contra deals, which was used for Minister of Sports Jese Saukuru’s spouse for a New Zealand trip last year. 

“I have nothing to say,” he told SUNsports. 

“You go and ask my lawyer, I have given him all my papers – he’ll be able to answer it. I’ll give you his number.” 

His lawyer, who is the husband of Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) acting commissioner Lavi Rokoika acknowledged receiving the questions sent. 

“I am currently attending a conference. I will respond to your enquiry tomorrow (today),” Ratu Tevita said. 

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has summoned Saukuru over the matter and is yet to have a one-on-one meeting with him. 

This comes after Saukuru, was eager to repay the cost of his wife’s business class airline ticket. 

Vakalalabure was investigated by the FICAC but has since been cleared. 

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

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

Rabuka confirmed that a request was submitted on January 20, 2025 by the Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports seeking for Saukuru to accompany the FSC’s Under-20 rugby sevens team. However, the application made no reference to Saukuru being accompanied by his wife. 

Tangaroa leads the Rokoika & Vakalalabure Lawyers and according to the firm’s website which also listed their address at National Hockey Centre Level 2, Waisale Serevi Road, Laucala Bay, Suva.