ACTING Commissioner of Corrections Sevuloni Naucukidi will be suspended if claims of harassment leading to an alleged altercation at a popular nightclub in Suva, are confirmed.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka alluded to this as he confirmed a meeting with Attorney-General Graham Leung and Justice Minister Siromi Turaga today to discuss the conduct of acting Corrections Commissioner Sevuloni Naucukidi in a now viral video on social media.
The video shows Mr Naucukidi being restrained by bouncers in a what appears to be a fist fight during a night out at a popular Suva club.
In response to the public backlash, Mr Rabuka told this newspaper his major concern was the timing of the incident, whether it was before or after he was appointed as acting Commissioner.
Mr Rabuka said he wanted a briefing from both the Minister for Justice and the Attorney-General on the matter, including with Mr Naucukidi’s appointment.
“If it was before the appointment, then maybe you should have tried to find out about the suitability, even when the COC (Constitutional Offices Commission) was finalising what to do with the commissioner who is on suspension,” Mr Rabuka said.
“We will have to sit and listen to all those and get them verified, and if we have to, we get the investigation done while he is also suspended.”
He said if he was suspended, the COC would need to ensure that the officer appointed to act in his stead did not “have any skeletons in their closet”.
In a statement released yesterday afternoon, Mr Turaga said the incident captured on video happened before Mr Naucukidi was appointed acting Commissioner of Corrections.
“We have contacted the owners of the establishment, who have confirmed that the video likely dates back to early March 2025. While we are yet to determine the exact date, we have sought verification from the relevant parties,” Mr Turaga said.
“This serves as a reminder to all public office holders and civil servants that a certain level of decorum is expected at all times – particularly when in uniform, whether that be Bula Friday wear or your official work attire.
“All officers are expected to behave responsibly during official hours and outside of official hours.”
Mr Turaga is awaiting a full report from all parties before providing an update to the COC once all verification is completed.
