In light of the recent dismissal of Lynda Tabuya as Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu has commended the Prime Minister for taking decisive action.
However, Seruiratu says this situation raises serious concerns about alleged potential criminality and a possible cover-up involving both the former Minister and FICAC.
He says he will bring this matter to parliament to see that it gets the seriousness that it deserves, as the Fijian people deserve no less than honest, transparent, and accountable leadership.
Seruiratu says Tabuya earlier declared that she has been divorced from Robert Semaan since 2016 - a declaration that exempted her from declaring his assets.
He says recent admissions suggest that they are still allegedly married.
Seruiratu says it raises serious questions around issues of honesty, transparency, and integrity - three foundational qualities expected of a public servant.
He says making matters worse, there has been in circulation a private video involving Tabuya.
Seruiratu says while Tabuya has stated that the video is a private matter between her and her husband, this contradicts her earlier claims of being divorced.
The Opposition Leader says these contradictions further dent Tabuya’s credibility, the credibility of her leadership, and the trust of the public.
Seruiratu says being the Co-Chair of the National Taskforce to Address Pornography in Fiji, the position calls for a very specific and strict code of conduct on matters of this nature; hence, Tabuya is highly compromised.
He says she not only blemishes her reputation but also brings into disrepute the work of the taskforce she is co-leading to fight pornography and protect children from online exploitation.
He says the FICAC matter should be fully investigated.
Seruiratu says Tabuya's actions have brought disrepute to her now former office and the public’s confidence in the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection.
He says public officials should set a high standard for integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Seruiratu says for this reason, he calls for a transparent investigation into these matters as a means of restoring public trust.
We have sent questions to the FICAC Commissioner to respond to the alleged claims of Tabuya still being married but her file closed by FICAC.
We have also asked is there proof of Tabuya being divorced, how is FICAC dealing with the matter if Tabuya is back with her husband, and how does FICAC deal with defacto relationships that can be also seen as a legal relationship.
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