Former Assistant Commissioner of Corrections, Akuila Namakadre, has defended the appointment of Vakaloloma Nakarawa, wife of suspended Commissioner of Corrections Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, as a nurse practitioner, stating that her selection was based on merit. Namakadre provided testimony during the tribunal investigating allegations of misconduct against Dr. Nakarawa which could lead to his removal from office.
Namakadre, who rejoined the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) in 2024, played a part in implementing recommendations from a job evaluation exercise and a subsequent restructure of the department. He noted that staff demotions and reassignments were performed according to qualifications and expertise, although he faced questioning from the tribunal about the fairness of these processes, particularly regarding staff not being informed about the reasons behind their reassignments.
The tribunal revealed that Namakadre chaired the interview panel for the nurse practitioner role and was aware of Mrs. Nakarawa’s application as well as her connection to Dr. Nakarawa. He clarified that while he informed the panel of her identity during the interview process, he believed there was no conflict of interest and that the interview should proceed. The tribunal is now examining the implications of Dr. Nakarawa’s influence in appointing his wife and whether it was appropriate for him to do so.
This ongoing inquiry follows a recent investigation by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), which determined that Vakaloloma Nakarawa’s hiring adhered to legal standards. Despite FICAC’s findings clearing her of any wrongdoing, the situation continues to generate public concern regarding potential nepotism and the need for transparent public service recruitment practices.
The tribunal hearing amplifies the dialogue around governance and accountability in the public sector, serving as a critical opportunity to reinforce ethical standards within the FCS and restore faith in its operations. There is hope that as these issues are addressed, reforms may be enacted to prevent future conflicts of interest and enhance public trust in governmental processes.