Vosarogo and Usamate clash over Usamate's claims regarding Acting FICAC Commissioner appointment

A war of words has broken out between Opposition MP, Jone Usamate and Minister for Lands, Filimoni Vosarogo after Usamate alleged the Acting FICAC Commissioner, Lavi Rokoika has reported ties to Vosarogo, a figure closely linked to government circles.

Usamate says this casts doubt on whether Rokoika can truly act independently in the role.

He says the appointment of Lavi Rokoika as Acting FICAC Commissioner raises serious concerns about alleged impartiality.

While responding to Usamate's claims, Vosarogo said to fijivillage News that Usamate's statement is pathetic and absolutely irresponsible.

Vosarogo says Usamate should understand what all citizens know - the appointment is made by His Excellency, the President.

He says bringing a facebook post in 2022 to allege connection, (when he was a Minister), is ridiculous and shows the lack of depth in understanding such appointment.

Vosarogo asks why did Usamate have to mention his name.

The Minister asks if Usamate is afraid of questioning the President's appointment.

Vosarogo says in Fiji, people are related to people unless Usamate prefers robots in these positions.

He adds Usamate makes serious allegations, and all he has to show for it is a screenshot of a post Vosarogo made on 20th May 2022.

Vosarogo says this is childish, and the FijiFirst government had people all over the park who were their own relation, and they did that unashamedly.

Vosarogo stresses that no, he is not going to apologize for being related to people.

He asks Usamate to get over it

The Minister says he is certain the Acting Commissioner will perform the function of the office with diligence and without favour to class, color, or creed.

Meanwhile Usamate adds that if the government is committed to transparency, then why are certain individuals being shielded while others are swiftly removed after the Commission of Inquiry report into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner was received.

Usamate says the people of Fiji must ask: is this about justice, or is it about political manoeuvering.

He says at a time when FICAC’s credibility is already severely damaged, appointing someone with clear affiliations to political figures undermines efforts to restore trust.

He adds if this administration is serious about reform, then FICAC must be led by someone completely independent, with no personal or political ties to those currently in power.

Usamate says the Republic of Fiji Military Forces has now formally expressed concerns about the government’s refusal to release the COI report.

He says the RFMF's intervention signals that trust in this process is rapidly deteriorating, not just among political figures, but within the country’s core institutions.

Usamate adds that the Prime Minister initially promised transparency, but delays and selective disclosures now suggest an attempt to control the narrative rather than uphold justice.

The Opposition MP says this government cannot pick and choose which findings to act upon and which to suppress.

He stresses the full COI report must be released immediately, allowing the people of Fiji to see the unfiltered truth.

Usamate says public trust depends on honesty, not half-measures or carefully curated disclosures designed to shield certain individuals from scrutiny.

He adds accountability must be absolute, and if the government fails to act on all findings equally, then it is not fighting corruption, it is weaponizing it.

The Opposition MP says the people of Fiji demand accountability—not selective justice.

He maintains that the Commission of Inquiry report was convened to expose wrongdoing, yet its findings are being executed with questionable consistency.

Usamate says the approach taken by the government appears doctored, designed not to deliver impartial justice but to control the fallout.

He says if the COI report clearly states that Barbara Malimali’s appointment was illegal, then why was she merely suspended.

He adds an illegal appointment should be nullified, not treated as a valid position subject to disciplinary action.