PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has yet to respond to allegations made by Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry that he is “closely related” to acting Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) commissioner Lavi Rokoika.
Mr Chaudhry made the comment in a statement on Thursday, where he questioned the procedures followed in Ms Rokoika’s appointment.
“To begin with we are advised the PM is closely related to Ms Rokoika,” he said.
“Second, the position was not advertised. Third, the recommendation for her appointment did not come from the Judicial Services Commission as required under the current FICAC Act.”
Mr Chaudhry said Ms Rokoika’s appointment was a “serious case of conflict of interest” and that even if she was no longer a partner at the Rokoika & Vakalalabure Lawyers law firm, “the conflict of interest remains”.
“Why does the Prime Minister continue to make such unlawful appointments, limiting his choice within the confines of a certain circle of friends and relatives, even ethnicity?
“A related issue of importance here is that the PM has not acted to reinstate the former acting Assistant Commissioner FICAC Francis Puleiwai, as recommended by the COI.
“Having initially written to her asking whether she would accept reinstatement or seek compensation, he remained aloof when Puleiwai requested reinstatement. Why?”
Ms Rokoika responded on Thursday to allegations of a close connection to a senior Fiji Sports Council official currently under FICAC investigation for corruption and financial misconduct.
She directed FICAC chief investigator Alifereti Wakanivesi to respond to The Fiji Times questions.
“My team has been handling the investigations on the Fiji Sports Council case before Ms Rokoika’s appointment as FICAC Acting Commissioner,” Mr Wakanavesi said.
“The instruction to investigate was given by the former commissioner Ms Malimali.
“Ms Rokoika, as our new commissioner, has the responsibility of supervising all operations thus knowledge over the cases. Any influence or interference over an ongoing investigation is not right.
“As such, please accept our assurance that the case, as usual, will be investigated independently.”
However, questions on allegations of her familial affiliation with Mr Rabuka, and the processes followed in her appointment that were sent yesterday remained unanswered when this story went to press.
President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s office has also not responded to The Fiji Times questions sent last month on the process followed in Ms Rokoika’s appointment.
