The Parliamentary Opposition has raised serious concerns over what it describes as a “crisis of integrity” involving Chief Justice Salesi Temo, who is at the centre of a legal and constitutional controversy.
In a statement from the Opposition Chambers, the Chief Justice was accused of attempting to use the legal system to protect himself from accountability, after a Commission of Inquiry (COI) report recommended his removal over alleged perjury and obstruction of justice.
“Instead of stepping aside, the Chief Justice is using the very system he is meant to uphold to fight these findings,” the Opposition said.
“The problem is plain and simple: he is both the accuser and the accused.”
The Chief Justice, who also chairs the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), is leading the legal response to the COI report’s findings, a move the Opposition calls a profound conflict of interest.
“This is not just a legal manoeuvre. It makes a mockery of the justice system and destroys any faith the public might have in its fairness,” the statement continued.
“It appears he is attempting to use the law to shield himself from accountability under the law.”
The Opposition also criticised Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, accusing them of failing to uphold the Constitution by not acting decisively in the matter.
“They are allowing this crisis to unfold, putting personal and customary loyalties above the Constitution. This is not just about one man; it is about the very foundation of the nation,” the Opposition said.
“The rule of law must be upheld. National leaders must fulfil their constitutional duties.”
