In a staunch critique of the Coalition Government, Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu has labeled the administration as “a government of chaos” as January comes to an end. His formidable statement questions the recent decisions and policy directions initiated by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, claiming they have led to confusion, controversy, and legal disputes that are costing taxpayers significantly.
Seruiratu expressed that the government is becoming its own primary adversary, linking this chaos to what he perceives as the Prime Minister’s lack of awareness regarding the negative consequences of his leadership failures. He noted that many processes emanating from the Prime Minister’s Office often culminate in administrative and political strife, highlighting a troubling pattern of governance.
A focal point of Seruiratu’s criticism is the so-called “legal disaster” pertaining to the Commission of Inquiry (COI), which he asserts has already incurred millions in legal fees for taxpayers. He lamented that proactive leadership could have circumvented these financial repercussions, particularly regarding the Prime Minister’s lack of action on the COI’s recommendations. This inaction includes a notable suggestion to suspend the Chief Justice, a decision that has instead led to the Judicial Services Commission—overseen by the Chief Justice—challenging the COI’s conclusions in court.
Furthermore, Seruiratu voiced concerns about the government’s handling of the ongoing issue, suggesting it jeopardizes the integrity and independence of the COI and its chair, Justice Ashton-Lewis. He warned that such actions could convey a troubling message that accountability may be overlooked or ignored entirely.
In addition to these legal matters, Seruiratu pointed to a possible conflict of interest involving the Solicitor-General, who appeared in the COI report while representing the State in settlement discussions. He criticized this situation as additional evidence of a government struggling with instability.
The Opposition Leader also remarked on the frequent Cabinet reshuffles indicative of a destabilized government. He argued that these ministerial changes appear to be more about political survival than effective governance, resulting in a lack of continuity and accountability in management.
As the government approaches almost four years in power, Seruiratu warns that ongoing indecision and instability are damaging public confidence and affecting national governance. His statements emphasize the need for a return to stable and accountable leadership to rebuild trust in the administration, offering hope for a more unified approach to governance in the future.