FICAC has completed its preliminary assessment of a complaint involving Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Nancy Tikoisuva, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku and Chief Justice Salesi Temo, and has closed the file after finding insufficient evidence to commence a formal corruption investigation against any of them.
This follows former ODPP staff Susana Vuniani's Statutory Declaration in Australia where she alleged that senior ODPP officials decided to close the Commission of Inquiry file into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner because it involved high-profile public officials, members of the judiciary and the legal fraternity, and that prosecuting the matter could cause embarrassment and conflict.
She further claimed the decision was made under directives from Chief Justice Salesi Temo.
FICAC says its assessment examined whether the material provided disclosed a sufficient basis to begin a formal corruption investigation within its statutory mandate.
As part of the assessment, FICAC verified the existence of a signed written legal opinion by Ian Lloyd KC held by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
However, it says its verification was limited to confirming the opinion exists and that it cannot disclose or comment on its contents.
FICAC says the decision is a threshold determination confined to its criminal corruption mandate and should not be interpreted as a finding on the complainant's broader allegations, motives, or visa status, or on any matter outside the Commission's jurisdiction.
The Commission says it will make no further comment on the complaint or the legal opinion.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions says they will address the allegations made by Vuniani with the relevant Australian authorities.
