Professor Biman Prasad intends to deal with the charge against him as quickly as possible, with his lawyers working on the matter “expeditiously”.
“I also told the Prime Minister that I intend to deal with this charge in the shortest possible time and in accordance with proper legal process,” he said in a statement. “My lawyers are dealing with this expeditiously.”
Prof Prasad said he had received reassurance from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
The National Federation Party leader confirmed he resigned from Cabinet after being served a FICAC charge on Monday.
He said the decision was communicated directly to Mr Rabuka yesterday morning.
“I met with the honourable Prime Minister this morning at his residence and informed him that in view of the FICAC charge served on me yesterday (Monday) I believe I must step aside.”
“I have accordingly resigned my office as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics.”
Prof Prasad said he was thankful for the support he received from members of the public.
“This is just one more of those challenges to be dealt with calmly, patiently, and as swiftly as possible.”
He also thanked his NFP colleagues for their unity.
Prof Prasad said he remained committed to public service in Parliament.
“Politics is service. At times, service demands sacrifice and commitment. The rewards of service are not measured in money or power. I will be in Parliament next Monday on the back bench and I will continue to represent and serve our people to the best of my ability.”
He remains leader of the NFP.
Prof Prasad is accused of failing to comply with statutory disclosure rules and giving false information under the Political Parties Act, following a FICAC review of 2015 complaints.
FICAC: Probe dates back to 2015
CHARGES against the leader of the National Federation Party, Professor Biman Prasad, stem from a FICAC review of public-interest complaints dating back to 2015, says acting commissioner Lavi Rokoika.
Responding to questions from The Fiji Times, Ms Rokoika said the decision to review the cases was taken after she assumed leadership of the institution.
“The matter concerns complaints from 2015,” she said in response to queries from The Fiji Times.
“Upon assuming office, I directed a review of several public-interest cases from previous years, including a fresh legal analysis of the relevant files.”
She also dismissed public concerns about information leakage from within the organisation before Prof Prasad was served with summons.
“I am not concerned about the reported ‘leakage’ of information.
Prior to the formal service of documents, what appeared in the public domain was largely speculative.
“The summons in this matter was filed with the court on 23 October 2025, and once filed, it became part of the court record rather than being confined to the commission.”
Ms Rokoika said investigators had maintained strict procedural standards throughout.
“I am satisfied that the confidentiality of investigations has been preserved.
“The public should be aware that proceedings formally commenced when the information was laid in court on 23 October 2025, not yesterday (Monday) when the summons was served.”
She said the commission would not comment further.
“Finally, as the matter is before the court, it would be inappropriate for the commission to make any further comment that could prejudice the proceedings.”
