Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has called on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) to urgently clarify the whereabouts and employment status of Acting Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Lavi Rokoika.
Mr Seruiratu expressed concern following a Fiji Times report in which the Prime Minister reportedly admitted that he did not know whether Ms Rokoika had left the country or remained in office.
“I find this admission unbecoming of the Prime Minister and a serious reflection of the lack of accountability and oversight within some of our most important national institutions,” Mr Seruiratu said.
He questioned how the Prime Minister could be unaware of Ms Rokoika’s status after personally recommending her appointment.
“I find it extraordinary that the Prime Minister, who personally intervened in the appointment of the Acting Commissioner, is now unable to account for her whereabouts or clarify her employment status.”
Mr Seruiratu recalled that on May 29, 2025, Mr Rabuka recommended Ms Rokoika’s appointment directly to the President, bypassing the JSC after reportedly failing to secure its cooperation.
He said the Prime Minister’s involvement in the appointment process made the current uncertainty particularly concerning.
“The Prime Minister cannot claim the authority to intervene in the appointment of the head of the country’s principal anti-corruption institution and then distance himself from questions of accountability when that institution’s leadership is thrown into uncertainty.”
Mr Seruiratu also questioned the apparent silence of the JSC, saying the Commission had a responsibility to provide clarity on the Acting Commissioner’s status.
“In my view, the JSC is failing to meet the public’s expectations of transparency and accountability,” he said.
“It cannot remain silent while uncertainty surrounds the leadership of one of Fiji’s most important accountability institutions.”
He said the public deserved to know whether Ms Rokoika was on approved leave, overseas on official business, or had ceased performing her duties.
Mr Seruiratu stressed that he was not alleging any established breach of administrative procedures but said the lack of information warranted an official explanation.
He called for confirmation of who was currently exercising the powers of the FICAC Commissioner and what arrangements were in place to ensure the institution continued operating independently and effectively.
“I firmly believe that the fight against corruption cannot be taken seriously if the very institution responsible for leading that fight is surrounded by unanswered questions about its leadership and accountability,” he said.
Mr Seruiratu maintained that the Prime Minister and JSC must provide clear answers to restore public confidence in the leadership of Fiji’s anti-corruption institution.
