Months after being dismissed over allegations relating to abuse of office involving the Fiji Sports Council, the Minister for Youth and Sports portfolio has officially been reinstated, with Jese Saukuru sworn back into Cabinet today at the State House.
Saukuru’s return comes after Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka removed him from the ministerial position in March this year following allegations linked to conflict of interest and decisions allegedly made without approval from the Fiji Sports Council Board.
At the time, Rabuka said the decision was necessary to allow the Fiji Police Force to carry out investigations independently and without interference.
The allegations emerged after a whistleblower, who is a former Fiji Sports Council staff member, claimed several decisions were made without Board approval.
Among the concerns raised were allegations that Saukuru and his wife travelled business class under a Fiji Sports Council contra deal with Fiji Airways without approval from the Council’s Board.
In announcing Saukuru’s dismissal earlier this year, Rabuka stressed that the integrity of public office and the proper management of public resources were fundamental principles expected of all Government office holders.
He said leaders must carry out their responsibilities with transparency, accountability and in the best interests of the people of Fiji.
Rabuka had also stated that the temporary removal was intended to ensure the investigative process could proceed transparently and without undue influence.
No further details have yet been released regarding the outcome of the investigations that led to Saukuru’s reinstatement.
