Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced yesterday the appointment of Lavinia Rokoika as the acting Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). This decision has come under scrutiny due to a lack of cooperation from the Judicial Services Commission, raising questions about the legitimacy of her role amid ongoing perjury proceedings involving former Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica. Kamikamica is expected to challenge the validity of Rokoika’s appointment in court.
Rabuka highlighted that the legality of Rokoika’s position is a matter for the judiciary to resolve, stating that discussions concerning her prosecutorial authority should remain within court confines. “Whether this was legal, whether what she has done so far can be upheld… all those things will be answered in court,” he remarked.
The situation intensifies as Kamikamica’s lawyer, Wylie Clarke, argues that Rokoika lacks the authority to bring charges against his client. He labeled the legitimacy of her appointment as dubious, claiming that her failure to follow legal protocols renders the charges against Kamikamica “fundamentally defective.” This legal conflict raises broader concerns about the independence of FICAC and its appointments, echoing past criticisms about the need for stronger governance and accountability within Fiji’s political framework.
This recent appointment is not without historical context, as previous FICAC appointments, particularly that of Barbara Malimali, drew criticism for their perceived overlap with ongoing investigations and claims of political interference. As the current political climate in Fiji continues to evolve, public demand for transparency and integrity in governance remains high.
Despite the challenges presented by these legal proceedings, there is a burgeoning sense of hope among citizens that such scrutiny could pave the way for essential reforms in governance. As the situation unfolds, it holds the potential to establish clearer mechanisms for accountability, ultimately working towards restoring public trust in Fiji’s political institutions.