A tribunal has been appointment to investigate allegations against suspended Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) Dr Jalesi Nakarawa.
In a statement, the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) stated that the tribunal had been appointed pursuant to Section 137(3)(a)(i) of the Constitution to inquire into allegations against Dr Nakarawa.
“The appointment of the tribunal was officially gazetted on July 18, 2025,” the commission said.
“The tribunal is chaired by Justice Daniel Goundar, with Justice Savenaca Banuve and Justice Dane Tuiqereqere serving as members.”
It said that Dr Nakarawa has been informed of the appointment of the tribunal and its members.
“The tribunal has scheduled a pre-hearing conference with Dr Nakarawa on August 25, 2025,” the commission said.
In one of the complaints against him, it had been alleged that Dr Nakarawa terminated the services of a senior medical officer (SMO), after which Dr Nakarawa’s wife was appointed to the role in an acting capacity.
Commission chairperson Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka had also confirmed earlier that investigations into Dr Nakarawa and acting Commissioner of the FCS, Sevuloni Naucukidi were in their preliminary stages.
“Both him and the acting (commissioner) have ongoing investigations within the Constitutional Offices Commission,” Mr Rabuka said.
He explained that the tribunal would assess the information and provide recommendations.
“The tribunal has dealt with their side of the story.
“The questions will be put to them after their statements are read.
“Then that tribunal will put its recommendation to the COC to make a final decision.”
Mr Rabuka said the process remained at an early fact-finding and assessment stage.
No timeline has been given for when the tribunal will conclude its work or when the commission will make a final determination.
Dr Nakarawa is under investigation for alleged misconduct, while Acting Commissioner Naucukidi faces scrutiny following a viral bar brawl video and internal reviews.