Constitutional processes to address issues with Corrections Commissioner – PM

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the Government will exhaust all processes provided under the Constitution in addressing issues relating to the Commissioner of Fiji Corrections Service Doctor Jalesi Nakarawa.

This comes as the Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga in an earlier statement had said that Dr Nakarawa was sent on leave after the Ministry of Justice received reports of serious incidents and potential breaches within the Corrections under his leadership.

While responding to questions by fijivillage News, Rabuka says the Government notes that Dr Nakarawa has completed his annual leave and has resumed his duties in office.

Turaga had earlier said that allegations against Dr Nakarawa raise significant concerns regarding the governance, security, conduct, management and administration of the Corrections Service and warrants immediate investigation.

Section 130(4) of the Constitution states the Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service is appointed by the President, on the advice of the Constitutional Offices Commission, following consultation with the Minister responsible for the Fiji Corrections Service.

According to Section 130(6) the Minister responsible for the Fiji Corrections Service may from time to time issue general policy directions with respect to the Fiji Corrections Service and, if such a direction has been issued, the Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service must act in accordance with it.