The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) says it is closely monitoring the ongoing deadlock between the President and the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), but has cautioned against allowing political tensions to overshadow pressing social issues.
The standoff follows media reports that the President has allegedly not accepted the JSC’s recommendations regarding leadership at the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
GCC chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula said the Council was observing developments carefully, guided by its traditional responsibility to safeguard the wellbeing of the people.
“As a traditional institution entrusted with safeguarding the wellbeing of our people, we observe these developments carefully and without haste,” he said.
However, he stressed that the nation’s focus should not be consumed by political manoeuvring while urgent social problems continue to escalate.
“The GCC believes national attention must not be consumed solely by political manoeuvring while these urgent social issues deepen.”
He reaffirmed the council’s 2024 resolution that the 2013 Constitution was not fit for purpose and should be replaced, saying the position was reached after careful deliberation and was not taken lightly.
“We do not revisit that position lightly, nor do we advance it for political effect.
“However, at this present time, our greater concern lies on impending social issues.”
Ratu Viliame highlighted the spread of illicit drugs, rising HIV cases and mounting social pressures on families and young people as immediate challenges confronting communities.
“These are not abstract debates. They are realities unfolding in our villages, settlements and urban centres.”
He urged national leaders to strike a balance between constitutional processes and urgent social priorities.
“Constitutional discussions may have their place, but they must not distract from the pressing responsibility to protect our children, strengthen our families, and restore moral and social resilience within our communities.
“As custodians of the vanua, our duty extends beyond political commentary. It is to ensure that the voice of our people especially those at the grassroots is heard and that national priorities remain aligned with their wellbeing.
“We therefore urge all leaders to act with sobriety and balance.
“Political processes must proceed responsibly, but equal energy and urgency must be directed toward combating drugs, addressing the health crisis, and reinforcing community support systems.
“Political processes must proceed responsibly, but equal energy and urgency must be directed toward combating drugs, addressing the health crisis, and reinforcing community support systems.”
Ratu Viliame said the GCC remained steadfast in its mandate to safeguard the interests of the iTaukei and contribute to national stability and unity.
“The GCC remains steadfast in its mandate since 1876 to safeguard the interests of the iTaukei and contribute to the stability and unity of the nation.”
