NO court has declared Acting FICAC Commissioner Lavi Rokoika’s appointment unlawful.
This was the reminder from Chief Justice Salesi Temo as he urged the public to respect the rule of law and allow the courts to carry out their work without interference.
He said he had observed members of the public expressing opinions and making judgments on issues yet to be determined by the judiciary.
“What I’m asking the public is to understand the concept of the rule of law and how it works,” Justice Temo said.
“It’s the betterment of everybody.”
Justice Temo said the role of the courts is to carefully consider legal arguments presented by all parties before arriving at a decision.
“That’s what you pay judges for, to look at the issues, consider them carefully, listen to the submissions of the parties and make a decision.”
He referred to the earlier High Court ruling by Justice Dane Tuiqereqere and noted that the matter is now progressing to the Court of Appeal.
He stressed that, at present, no court has declared Ms Rokoika’s appointment unlawful, despite differing public opinions.
“You have heard comments from every Tom, Dick and Harry … some saying the appointment is unlawful, others saying it is lawful. But those are comments of the people.”
While acknowledging that public discourse is a key part of democracy, Justice Temo said the judiciary is ultimately bound only by court decisions.
“At the end of the day we are only bound by what the court says.
“We just ask the public to please be patient. Taking arguments to the court is the best way out for us. It’s a system built to resolve disputes.”
