Former Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga’s daughter has claimed that her father’s phone was hacked, resulting in the circulation of a private intimate video that led to public criticism and his resignation.
In an emotional Facebook post under the name Imah TK, she defended her father and questioned the public humiliation directed at him and her mother following the incident.
“But I salute him for doing the right thing and resigning, even though his phone was hacked,” she said.
“It takes a lot of courage to step down without feeling the need to explain yourself and acknowledging your mistake.”
She said her father had chosen to resign rather than remain in office while investigations were carried out.
“Most people would have held on to their positions and waited for investigations to be done. That is exactly what dignity looks like.”
She also expressed disappointment at comments directed towards her mother and criticism from people she described as family members and friends.
“I’ve watched my father help people in every way he could throughout my life, but the one time he messed up, so many were quick to join in on the humiliation ritual.”
She thanked those who had supported her father and family during the controversy.
“Give him some grace and let him live,” she said.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka confirmed on Tuesday that he had accepted Mr Turaga’s resignation as Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General. Mr Turaga remains a Member of Parliament and a member of the People’s Alliance Party.
