Serious concerns are now being raised by Fiji Labour Party Leader, Mahendra Chaudhry on whether Acting FICAC Commissioner, Lavi Rokoika is related to Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka and why Rabuka recommended Rokoika’s name to the President for the appointment.
Chaudhry says Rokoika’s appointment was a decision taken by the Prime Minister which the President formalized as the appointing authority.
Chaudhry says the Prime Minister did not follow the correct procedure in doing so.
He says they are advised the Prime Minister is closely related to Rokoika and the position was not advertised.
The FLP Leader also says the recommendation for her appointment did not come from the Judicial Services Commission as required under the current FICAC Act.
Section 5 of the FICAC Act states that the Commissioner of FICAC is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Judicial Services Commission following consultation by the Judicial Services Commission with the Attorney General.
Rabuka had also sacked Attorney General, Graham Leung and then recommended Rokoika.
Chaudhry also raises the issue that Rokoika is listed as a partner in the law firm of Rokoika and Vakalalabure Lawyers of Suva. She represented the former Minister for Fisheries Kalaveti Ravu in his corruption trial in the Suva Magistrates Court.
The FICAC case is now on appeal and has been taken over by the Office of the DPP.
It is listed for hearing on 14th July 2025.
Chaudhry says the law firm of Rokoika and Vakalalabure is representing Ravu.
He says it is highly improper that Rokoika be Acting Commissioner FICAC and partner in a law firm at the same time, and it is a serious case of conflict of interest.
The FLP Leader says even if she resigns as a partner, the conflict of interest remains.
Chaudhry also raises concern on why the Prime Minister continues to make such unlawful appointments, limiting his choice within the confines of a certain circle of friends and relatives, even ethnicity.
He adds the Prime Minister has also not acted to reinstate the former Acting Deputy Commissioner FICAC Francis Puleiwai, as recommended by the Commission of Inquiry.
Chaudhry says Rabuka remains aloof when Puleiwai requested reinstatement.
We have sent questions to Prime Minister Rabuka and FICAC’s Acting Commissioner Rokoika. They are yet to respond.
