AN investigation will be conducted into allegations of nepotism, abuse of office, constitutional breaches and unauthorised access to confidential documents involving Acting FICAC Commissioner Lavi Rokoika.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka confirmed this after a whistleblower lodged a formal complaint with the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) and the Commissioner of Police, raising serious concerns about the conduct of Ms Rokoika.
The complaint alleges nepotism, abuse of office and constitutional breaches.
Mr Rabuka said the matter would be subject to investigation, noting that the appointment process had followed external advice.
“That will have to be investigated because the appointment was made following the recommendations of the COI and a King’s Counsel who advised me on what to do with the Judicial Services Commission,” he said.
“And at the time, the Judicial Services Commission did not act as was required.”
Mr Rabuka also indicated that any procedural issues surrounding Ms Rokoika’s appointment process had since been resolved and the JSC is now operating as required under the law.
Among the claims by the whistleblower are the alleged hiring of a relative of Fiji Sports Council CEO Gilbert Vakalalabure, and the alleged confiscation and examination of staff mobile phones following the leak of an internal directive.
It also raises concerns about possible unauthorised access to confidential FICAC documents with allegations that Ms Rokoika’s husband spends extended hours in her office
The whistleblower has called for an urgent and independent investigation into the allegations.
Meanwhile, emails sent by The Fiji Times to Ms Rokoika since February 2 have remained unanswered.
Questions sent to the JSC, which is responsible for the appointment and removal of the FICAC Commissioner, also remain unanswered.
The Legal Practitioners Unit, which oversees the regulation, certification and professional conduct of lawyers, has also not responded to questions from The Fiji Times.
