Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced yesterday that Lavinia Rokoika’s appointment as the acting Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) came after a lack of cooperation from the Judicial Services Commission. His statement follows concerns about the legitimacy of Rokoika’s role, especially in light of ongoing perjury proceedings against former Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, who is expected to challenge the validity of her appointment.
Rabuka emphasized that the legality of Rokoika’s appointment is currently a matter for the judiciary, highlighting that discussions regarding her authority to prosecute should not engage outside of court considerations. He remarked, “Whether this was legal, whether what she has done so far can be upheld… all those things will be answered in court.”
The proceedings against Kamikamica, who did not attend the court hearing, have brought Rokoika’s qualifications into question. His lawyer, Wylie Clarke, contended that Rokoika does not have the right to bring charges against his client, labeling the authority of her appointment dubious and arguing that her lack of adherence to legal protocols renders the charges “fundamentally defective.”
Clarke’s argument recalls broader issues within Fiji’s governance, echoing past criticisms questioning the independence of FICAC and its executive appointments. His stance is shared by some political observers, who see these issues as symptomatic of a greater demand for accountability and integrity within governmental institutions.
This development occurs amidst scrutiny surrounding previous FICAC appointments, particularly that of Barbara Malimali, whose appointment was condemned for overlapping with ongoing investigations, leading to claims of political interference. The political landscape in Fiji remains charged with calls for transparency, as the veracity of institutional operations is under persistent examination.
As these legal battles unfold, there is a growing sense of optimism among citizens that such scrutiny might catalyze necessary reforms in governance. The evolving situation presents an opportunity for establishing clearer pathways to accountability and restoring public trust in the integrity of Fiji’s political systems.