OPPOSITION will continue to speak out on the findings of the Commission of Inquiry (COI), despite criticism from Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga.
Opposition Whip Jone Usamate said this as he strongly defended the recent remarks made by Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu.
Mr Turaga had suggested that Seruiratu’s comments could influence ongoing court proceedings connected to the Commission’s findings.
“Let me be clear, the Opposition has both the right and the duty to hold the Government to account,” Mr Usamate said.
“The remarks made by the Leader of the Opposition were directed at the Prime Minister’s continued failure to act on the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry, a matter squarely of governance and political responsibility.”
He said the comments were not aimed at interfering with judicial matters and pointed out that the Opposition’s concerns were raised well before any court action was initiated.
“The Opposition has consistently raised these concerns as part of its constitutional role and we will continue to do so.”
Mr Usamate also criticised Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s continued silence on the Commission’s findings, questioning whether it reflected a lack of awareness or inadequate legal advice from within government ranks.
