Police have now received an official complaint of alleged misuse of funds involving the former Minister for Sports, Jese Saukuru and Fiji Sports Council Chief Executive Officer, Ratu Gilbert Vakalalabure.
Police will now work with the Office of the Auditor General regarding the investigation.
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka had said over the weekend that he has dismissed Saukuru from his position as Minister for Youth and Sports, and the decision allows the Fiji Police Force to conduct a thorough investigation into allegations of abuse of office relating to the Fiji Sports Council.
When contacted by fijivillage News, Police earlier said a complaint of this nature needs a complainant, and they were waiting for that.
When we contacted Fiji Sports Council Deputy Chairman, Peter Mazey, he said that he understands the investigation report by Pherrus Financial Services will result in a set of recommendations that will go to Prime Minister Rabuka and Minister for Youth and Sports, who will then decide on what happens.
Mazey also highlights that each headline of the allegations given publicly in the terms of reference given to the independent investigators includes almost full pages of allegations within that.
When asked on whether Vakalalabure has been suspended by the Fiji Sports Council Board based on the directive by Rabuka, Mazey said the Board is seeking legal opinion on this as he has been sent on paid leave.
Rabuka confirmed over the weekend that had directed the Board of the Fiji Sports Council to immediately suspend its Chief Executive Officer, Ratu Gilbert Vakalalabure, to allow the independent investigation into allegations of misuse of funds to proceed without hindrance.
The Prime Minister says the integrity of public office and the proper management of public resources are fundamental principles that this Government expects all public office holders to uphold at all times.
Rabuka says in light of the seriousness of the allegations raised, and to ensure that due process is respected and that the relevant authorities are able to carry out their work without interference, this step has been taken in the interest of transparency and accountability, and to ensure that the investigative process proceeds independently and without undue influence.
He adds that it is important that the appropriate investigative and legal processes are allowed to proceed so that the facts can be fully established and the necessary actions taken based on the findings.
