Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica is set to have his stay application heard in the Suva High Court from March 18 to 20. Kamikamica was excused from today’s proceedings due to an illness.
During a session led by High Court Judge Justice Siainiu Bull, discussions regarding the hearing dates took place. Kamikamica’s defense attorney, Wylie Clarke, confirmed that the Judicial Services Commission will not dispute the appointment of Acting Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Lavi Rokoika.
Justice Bull instructed Clarke to submit any supplementary affidavits by the close of business today, while the FICAC counsels have until March 23 to respond. Additionally, Clarke indicated plans to file a subpoena that will require a journalist to verify statements made by the Prime Minister regarding Rokoika’s appointment.
The case will be revisited on April 5 for further mention. Kamikamica faces serious charges, including one count of Perjury under Section 176(1) of the Crimes Act 2009. He is accused of intentionally making a false statement under oath about his involvement in the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner between December 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. Alternatively, he is also charged with Giving False Information to a Public Servant under Section 201(a) of the same Act for allegedly providing the same misleading information to the Commissioner of Inquiry.
The legal proceedings highlight ongoing scrutiny surrounding public figures and accountability, emphasizing a robust legal framework aimed at upholding integrity in public service.