A call to remove the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption’s (FICAC) prosecutorial powers have emerged as the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) begins the search for a new commissioner.
The Fiji Times has not been able to establish the circumstances leading to the move – or the fate of senior lawyer Lavi Rokoika who has been serving as Acting Commissioner.
Appearing before the Constitution Review Commission, former chief justice Daniel Fatiaki said FICAC’s constitutional role and independence required urgent review, arguing that the agency should investigate and charge offenders but leave prosecutions to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
“Its ability to prosecute should be taken away from FICAC and handed to the DPP’s Office where it truly belongs,” Mr Fatiaki said.
He said allowing the commissioner to oversee investigations, approve charges and conduct prosecutions created an inherent conflict of interest.
“The conflict of interest is so obviously dangerous that those roles need to be separated.”
Mr Fatiaki also alleged FICAC had been “weaponised” under the previous Bainimarama government and called for institutional reform.
Applications for the commissioner’s position close at 4pm on Friday, July 24, 2026.
