Former advisor to the Prime Minister’s Office Jioji Kotobalavu says he cannot comprehend the rationale of the ousted education minister Aseri Radrodro’s public apology and plea for reinstatement.
“As reported in the Fiji Times on 22 January 2024, Prime Minister Rabuka had publicly explained that on the issue of appointment of certain members of the Fiji National University Council, Minister Radrodro had ‘rebuffed’ three letters from him and also legal advice from the Solicitor-General,” said Mr Kotobalavu.
“PM Rabuka further explained that he had given Mr Radrodro the opportunity to explain himself, but he had failed to do so.
“So, in the circumstances, PM Rabuka had no option but to terminate Radrodro’s appointment as Minister for Education.”
He said the legal cause for the summary dismissal was his insubordination and disobedience to his directive in relation to appointments to the FNU Council.
“If Mr Radrodro had good reasons to believe that the PM’s directive was not consistent with the governing legislation for the FNU, it was his duty to make every effort to see the PM and to explain the legal impediments and the best way forward.
“Minister Radrodro failed to do this.”
He said as a finding of facts, one could conclude that Mr Rabuka had lawfully exercised his powers under the 2013 Constitution.
“Finally, and equally important, in assigning the Minister for Education portfolio to be held concurrently by the SODELPA leader in the People’s Coalition Government, DPM and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, PM Rabuka has acted consistently and in compliance with the political Coalition Agreement of the three political parties in the People’s Coalition Government.”
