Appointing a new Minister of Policing undermines the principles of accountability that former Minister responsible for Police and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua tried to espouse, said Dialogue Fiji Executive Director, Nilesh Lal.
Pio Tikoduadua has relinquished his Police and Immigration responsibility to allow for an inquiry into the issuance of passports to two Grace Road members who were on a prohibition order to depart Fiji.
Iowane Naivalurua was appointed as Minister for Policing last week.
“Home Affairs Minister, Mr. Pio Tikoduadua has become the biggest loser in this Cabinet reshuffle,” said Mr Lal.
“He had tried to set a high standard for ministerial accountability by offering to step down (temporarily) from the immigration ministry after an issue arose in the ministry.”
“Instead of being recognised for his integrity and high standards, Tikoduadua has been permanently stripped of his portfolios, which have now been handed to political allies of the PM.”
“This decision undermines the principles of accountability and sends a disheartening message that integrity is not valued in Fiji’s political leadership.”
