The Fiji Corrections Services’ human resources officer has revealed that the appointment of Akuila Namakadre as Assistant Commissioner of Corrections – Administration was conducted without complying with established recruitment procedures.
Testifying before the Tribunal inquiring into suspended commissioner Dr Jalesi Nakarawa’s alleged misconduct, Daniel Tawakilai said he was appointed as president of the Board of Inquiry (BOI) to investigate the alleged irregular enlistment of personnel into the FCS on February 28 of this year.
The tribunal comprises Justices Daniel Goundar, Savenaca Banuve, and Dane Tuiqereqere.
Mr Tawakilai said on Tuesday that after reviewing the personnel’s files and interviewing relevant HR officers, the BOI concluded that seven personnel had been enlisted outside proper recruitment procedures, contrary to established HR policies.
He said the findings showed the recruits were former FCS employees rehired to fill urgent vacancies without going through required medical tests, interviews, or fitness assessments.
He said that despite lacking proper clearance, they were posted immediately to institutions for custodial duties.
Mr Tawakilai said he was later appointed to another BOI investigating alleged breaches of process in establishing the Central Division Medical Clinic.
He said the investigation uncovered serious violations of administrative and procurement procedures.
Moving on, he recalled Mr Namakadre being appointed temporary Assistant Commissioner (Administration and Strategic Management) from June 2024 to June 2025.
Mr Tawakilai told the tribunal that Mr Namakadre’s personal file showed that no interview, medical clearance, or vetting process was done before his contract was signed, and that the appointment did not follow established FCS recruitment policy.
He said a subsequent evaluation dated July 22, 2024, stemmed from an internal investigation into alleged misuse of procurement processes involving a private vendor for physical training services.
Following this, he said, Mr Namakadre was demoted and reassigned as director of human resources management on August 12, 2024. However, a month later, on September 12, 2024, he was again promoted to Assistant
Commissioner – Corporate Administration under Commissioner Dr Nakarawa’s restructuring directive.
He said these appointments were not advertised, no interview was conducted, and no medical or physical fitness test was performed — all contrary to procedures.
Mr Tawakilai said the reshuffling created further instability and mistrust among the senior FCS leadership.
In regards to leadership conflicts and breakdown of trust, Mr Tawakilai said there was internal tension among the commissioner and his senior officers which worsened following reports that Deputy Commissioner Auta Moceisuva met privately with Justice Minister Siromi Turaga while Dr Nakarawa was overseas.
He said when Dr Nakarawa learned of the meeting, he accused Mr Moceisuva of disloyalty and demoted him and appointing Mr Namakadre as his replacement.
He said it was ironical that Mr Namakadre had first reported the meeting to Dr Nakarawa, further fuelling divisions and distrust within the FCS hierarchy.
The tribunal was told these leadership tensions contributed to frequent reshuffles, lack of consultation, and procedural breaches in senior appointments.
On Dr Rayvan Singh’s sacking, Mr Tawakilai confirmed he was present in a meeting on January 20 between Mr Singh, who at the time was senior medical officer, and his supervisor, Alivio Turaga.
He had attended in his capacity as Dr Nakarawa’s personal staff officer, acting as secretary to the meeting and preparing the official minutes.
During this meeting, Dr Nakarawa raised concerns about Dr Singh’s performance, particularly incidents during his posting to the Western Division. However, he said the decision recorded in the minutes was that Dr Singh be issued a final warning.
He was then instructed to draft the warning letter for Dr Nakarawa’s signature, but later that same day, he was informed that Dr Singh had been sacked.
He said this decision surprised him as it was completely inconsistent with what had been agreed to during the meeting.
Mr Tawakilai concluded that no termination of contract had been discussed.
The hearing continues today.
