Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua has offered to temporarily step aside from his role as Minister pending the outcome of an investigation to address a serious matter that has recently come to his attention involving the possible unauthorised issuance of passports to the children of individuals associated with the Grace Road human rights allegations.
Tikoduadua says these passports appear to have been issued without his knowledge, without the approval of the Permanent Secretary, and without authorisation from senior management within the Department of Immigration.
He says if confirmed, this constitutes a significant breach of their protocols and raises serious concerns about the internal oversight mechanisms within the department.
Tikoduadua adds that in light of the gravity of this situation and its potential implications for our nation's integrity and international standing, he has directed an immediate and thorough investigation to determine how this lapse occurred and to hold accountable those that were responsible.
He believes that this action is necessary to ensure the inquiry is conducted impartially and without any perception of undue influence, from his office.
Tikoduadua has communicated his decision to the Prime Minister and await his guidance on this matter.
The Minister says his commitment is to the people of Fiji and to maintaining the highest standards of governance.
He assures the people that he will fully cooperate with the investigation and work towards restoring any trust that may have been compromised.
