The vile threat by the rogue Chief Justice, Salesi Temo, to again suspend the DPP, Christopher Pryde, for misbehaviour on trumped-up charges of financial misconduct have had their inevitable conclusion, with Pryde declining to return to Fiji until the threat is lifted.
The New Zealander was meant to return to Gunu House tomorrow to resume normal duties on the same day that the new Police Commissioner, Rusiate Tudravu, takes up his position to start tackling the law and order breakdown that is threatening national security.
But that doesn’t suit the thug Temo and his party-loving acolytes at the ODPP – Nancy Tikoisuva, who has recycled allegations that were rejected by the three High Court judges of the Pryde Tribunal, and the notorious “Crooning Stallion”, John Rabuku, who is the first person to ever occupy the position of Deputy DPP having been found guilty of professional misconduct.
There is a sinister conspiracy between all three to prevent Christopher Pryde from resuming his position as DPP despite having been exonerated of misbehaviour on precisely the same evidence that is now being recycled to try to nail an innocent man. And it is an outrage that the fight against crime in Fiji is being hampered by these individuals for political purposes and in the case of Nancy Tikoisuva and John Rabuku, to save their highly-paid jobs.
Christopher Pryde not only faces being suspended again on the false complaint by Nancy Tikoisuva to the Chief Justice and head of the Judicial Services Commission. She also sent the same recycled concoctions to the beleaguered FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali, with the intention of getting her friend to charge the DPP with abuse of office and having a stop-departure order placed on him that would trap him in Fiji indefinitely.
He isn’t taking the bait. As he says in his statement below, the sword of Damocles is hanging over his head. But with the Chief Justice and the FICAC Commissioner also up to their armpits in scandal at the Ashton-Lewis Commission of Inquiry into the “rotten” circumstances of Malimali’s appointment, it is they who stand accused of genuine wrongdoing for mounting a full-scale attack on the independence of the institutions of state and the rule of law.
As we reported yesterday, Salesi Temo is refusing the request by Justice David Ashton-Lewis to suspended Barbara Malimali on completely spurious grounds after she fired one of his witnesses and prompted the COI to refer her to the police. Why? To keep her in place to charge Christopher Pryde, keep him out of the ODPP and prevent him from being in a position to decide whether to prosecute the police case against the FICAC Commissioner for perverting the course of justice. Instead of Pryde, it would be Malimali’s close friends, Tikoisuva and Rabuku, who make the decision.
It is corruption on an industrial scale unprecedented in Fijian legal history. And it is ultimately to protect a slew of government ministers, most notably Biman Prasad, whose cases have been derailed by Barbara Malimali at the corruption watchdog and who is now misusing her power to prevent an independent DPP from replacing Temo’s stooges at Gunu House and shoring up the whole sorry edifice.
Salesi Temo’s conduct is especially egregious. In concert with the former attorney general, Siromi Turaga, the then acting chief justice suspended Christopher Pryde in April 2023, kept him waiting for justice for 21 months and for the last eight months of that, cut off his salary to prevent him from being properly able to defend himself. Then in Pryde’s absence from the Tribunal hearing the case against him, Salesi Temo falsely accused him of stealing from the Fijian people.
Even without Pryde’s presence, he eventually won the case. The Tribunal judges exonerated him and he was reinstated as DPP by the President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu. But the Chief Justice – seething with humiliation – isn’t accepting that verdict and appears determined to nail the DPP once and for all. Breathtaking in its audacity. Shocking in its injustice.
With events at the Malimali Commission of Inquiry and now this, Fiji has gone to a very dark place. The State has been captured by the “New Order” and it is bulldozing our institutions for its own political purposes.
It is time for every Fijian who believes that the integrity of our criminal justice system is worth defending to say “enough is enough”.
Already big news.
The sword of Damocles. An explanation from Wikipedia:
The triumph of the partygoers…
Over proper process and the rule of law…
And a series of intertwined, corrupt relationships.
A Deputy DPP who was found guilty of professional misconduct. And a FICAC Commissioner deemed “not a fit and proper person” to practice law in Tuvalu.
The criminal justice system in Fiji is being trashed.
UPDATE MONDAY AM with the morning’s newspaper coverage.
The Fiji Times…
And the Fiji Sun…
No analysis, of course. The local media seems incapable of it.
I was looking forward to his return. It’s time to come back to Fiji and take on these racial bigots.
Agree. This issue is now taking on the proportions of an Icelandic saga.
He should come back and stand up to those who threaten him. The people of Fiji are on his side.
Staying away will only strengthen the hands of his detractors in the Judiciary. It will give them reason to sack him. So do not give them that opportunity.
The Shitty Times only aim is to discredit Christopher Pryde by portraying the story to Fijians as CP unwilling or refusing to return.
Shitty Times and other free Fiji media not will make any attempt to contact CP, nor to inform the public about the plans suspend him (again) upon his return and media will not inform that CP has not yet been paid what’s owing to him.
These simple points do not suit the Shitty Times’ narrative and campaign to malign a decent person with stellar ethics.
They must be deriving such feelings of validation from their soulmates in the USA, Trump and Project 2025
And the response of the truthful and reconciled prime minister. “I haven’t seen his letter yet. I haven’t read the Fiji times yet. I haven’t woken up yet on the corrupt practices of my government. Once I am informed this is out my jurisdiction to take any action. Let freedom of expression shine. Let love shine. Vinaka.”
One more to add to his usual drivel..’ I haven’t taken a dump yet therefore the backlog in my gut is affecting my thought process..what an idiot he is.
To put it simply, what you’re saying is that he’s full of shit !
That loathsome snake Rsbuka has disapeared to Washington to attend yet another “Prayer Breakfast”
leaving the rats Nancy T, Jone R, Barbara M and the vindictive rogue of a CJ Temo to their dirty games.
As usual Nancy and Barbarella will attend the same church in downtown, Suva that the snake frequents warming the seat for him. They will then walk down the aisle, bow down on the altar and partake in the Holy Eucharest to show the world how honest, trustworthy and righteous they are. The others too will go to their respective churches and do the same.
BTW, has the slithering, slimey snake taken leave and pay for his own expenses to attend that Prayer Breakfast?
The perfect Christian witnesses .
That vile PM should have politely declined the invite. There are more pressing problems at home that needs his prayers. What’s happening to Linda’s enquiry. And then he has the nerve to say on Mai TV that his children and families suffered after the coups. That his son told him his friends left him. The look of arrogance on his face during the interview was a sight to behold.
Indeed a very sad day and season for Fiji. The PM is thousands of kms away indulging in self aggrandisement at the White House while the shambles of whatever is left of the judicial system runs havoc.
He has purposefully orchestrated this situation for his own political gain.
Rabuka has gone on the record saying there is no anarchy in his government. Well, just look at the mess he’s created. Need anymore evidence?
A tribunal has exonerated the sitting DPP of misconduct and abuse of office. But the head honcho, S Temo, has tragically trashed that honourable courts decision and chosen to run the judiciary in his own rule of the jungle.
This is a definite recipe for disaster and chaos. Temo”s partners in crime in the DPP office are running amok in Prydes absence, totally bereft of integrity and justice.
Where’s the deputy PM? Or, was an official announcement made as to who’s the APM in the absence of Rabuka?
Why is Biman silent?
Why is Leung silent?
Why is Clarke of the FLS silent?
Why is the lame and pathetic media in Fiji not asking the tough questions?
Where is Vijay Narayan?
Where is Stan Simpson?
Where is the pedo President?
These under performers at the DPP offices need to be held to account for their complete lack of accountability to the nation.
CP has done the right thing. He didn’t graduate from law school yesterday. He knows exactly what this immoral government is planning. What CP has done is turn the table on their little games. It’s the grand master against the green horns acting as little kids in the sand pit. They have no idea what their responsibilities are, all the while they are making Fijis judicial system an international laughingstock. Temo needs to be sacked along with all his accomplices. Their continuing presence in the judiciary is making a complete mockery of it.
Is the army chief giving them enough rope to hang eventually hang themselves with? Who knows? What a shambles!
Whatever the game is, it has become too serious to discredit. The circus must end, the rule of law be established before there is a very realistic possibility of a political upheaval on a gigantic scale.
The world is watching this horrible drama unfold. The TRC is a distraction, the Constitution review is a distraction, Rabuka has lost the plot!
Sensible decision on Mr Pryde’s behalf.
Such a shame that all the sensible people are pushed out of senior roles & deliberately overlooked in the shambles of Fiji.
While I’m not hopeful, I wish Mr Pryde all the best standing up for integrity and balancing this with doing what he needs to do to stay safely by his family’s side. Sad that this is even his choice really.
How much will this cost Fiji ?
Not just financially but its standing in the local & international community or even in attracting professional people to senior roles.
Life has taught me that if a legitimate person won’t just lie- down and go quietly when a faction or person wants them gone , it ends up costing government a motza and when a person knows the law make that a double motza.
Does Fiji have nothing better to spend its money on than being sued ?
We all know the answer to that .
FYI it is hard to access your site from Fiji domains – I have to connect via VPN. It suggests the government is putting pressure on mobile networks to block your site.
I think it’s an issue at your end. I’m in Nadi and no issues whatsoever accessing the website via Digicel, Voda or Starlink. Stop creating an unnecessary conspiracy and focus on the real governance issues at hand.
CP is in a precarious position. In case he gets charged by FICAC and the due process of law takes its course, it will take at least 2 years before a trial will be held for him.
This will also mean he will remain suspended without pay until court clears him. On top of it he will need funds to defend his case through a counsel.
The most practical way for CP is stop listening to politicians but to get his pay that was accrued during his suspension and also to get his remaining pay right towards his end date of contract which is valid for his second term of renewal.
In my opinion thats the best way out GD.
As I understand it, they still haven’t adhered to the President’s directive that all his backpay and benefits be paid “immediately”. It is like getting blood from a stone. And Biman Prasad is the Acting PM! You would think he could ensure that the right thing gets done. Disgraceful.
Pryde a foreigner should not have got himself involved in Fiji politics. He is considered a supporter of the Bainimarama military regime when he opt to take the Solicitor-General role in 2007 just straight after the Bainimarama military coup which ousted a democratic elected government in 2006. He later became DPP under the same Bainimarama regime in 2011. Now the table has turned and poses a risk for him. It would be better for him to resign and live a peaceful life in his home country NZ.
He did not “get himself involved in Fiji politics”. He was a lawyer in a prominent Christchurch firm that was contracted by the Bainimarama government to provide it with legal services.
He came to Fiji as a consultant and was then invited to become solicitor general, a position he accepted. He was later appointed DPP.
He has never been involved in politics. He heads an independent office of state and should be allowed to remain in that office for the duration of his contract.
It is the Coalition that is playing politics by trying to remove him. And that constitutes a threat to the independence of the ODPP and is clearly against the national interest.
The government is trying to stack the institutions of state with their own people to manipulate decision-making in their favour. And that isn’t in the interests of any Fijian.
The notion that “oh well, that’s what the last government did” is neither here nor there. These people promised to be different, to improve standards of governance and strengthen our institutions. They lied. And for that betrayal, they deserve to be defeated at the next election.
It is Fiji, a sovereign state. Pryde is not a Fijian citizen and should just stay out of it.
Yes, in the process, let’s also get rid of Andre Viljoen from Fiji Airways, Brent Hill from Tourism Fiji, the owners of practically every tourist resort who provide jobs for the Fijian people and hand it all over to the locals.
We did it with the government and see how well we have done. The hospital I was born in was once the pride of Fiji and the region. Now we can’t keep it going without millions from Australian taxpayers. And look at the ODPP. As soon as the foreigner leaves, the party begins.
You and your sovereign state are a fast-track to mediocrity and a failed state.
Everyone clearly knew the manifesto of the political parties that were voted into power under the coalition govt. It clearly stated that they will replace all expats with locals in all govt & state institutions which they are currently implementing when they came into power in December 2022. CP’s best move now is to resign and move on with his life.
He has a contract which he intends to fulfil. Your best move is to get used to the idea.
Finally someone from the weeping ‘free’ media has given an opinion on the standoff:
“Somebody in authority needs to make a firm and decisive decision. We cant keep going around in circles like this. Either decide for one party or sack them all, appoint someone new, and let’s start afresh.”
Wow what caliber and analytical acumen demonstrated by Stanley ‘Homer’ Simpson.
More like Homer’s side kick Appu. Except Appu is brilliant with intelligence to boot.
Much unlike our very own Appu Simpson.
The ODPP and FICAC saga will continue as long as Temo is the Chief Justice.
It is high time the Military Commander and President Naiqama should have serious discussion about the crises that have unfolded in Fiji. Using their constitutional powers they need to come up with a solution and get rid of at least two people – Salesi Temo and Barbara Malimali immediately and let Justice Lewis complete the COI and Pryde to resume his position as DPP.
Nothing is expected from Rabuka, who has chosen fit to fly to the USA for the prayer meeting.
An able and smart leader would have been concerned about the crisis in Fiji and not the prayer meeting in the USA. We have a dumb Prime Minister.
Good move CP.
They deserve all they are getting now.
You can do your work remotely.
Better safe than sorry (emotionally, financially, and may I say physically because no one can be trusted in Fiji anymore).
If theres anyone out there who has the capacity to move abroad from Fiji and still thinking, just watch the shit show and reconsider.
In fiji theres one rule for those who follow the law, and no rule for coalition ass lickers.
Think again and migrate while it’s still daylight because darkness is quickly falling onto the god forsaken banana Republic.
I keep saying this, Rabuka is involved and when something hits the fan, he escapes overseas, this time to America to have breakfast and say prayers
Breakfast and prayers for 20 days.
While his kool aid drinking cult voters chow noodles and tea.
All is well.
If Malimali is suspended, they can’t arrest Pryde when he lands in Fiji, then deport him out again.
Pryde has either been given solid advice not to fall into the trap or has worked out the dastardly plans to destroy his reputation through these latest set of false accusations.
Interesting neither the pedophile President nor the snake PM are saying anything. It certainly goes to show they haven’t got Pryde’s back and will probably be party to “stabbing” him when the time comes around.
With regards to Trump whether you like him or not.there is now a move away from jobs based on race towards merit based selection which is already having a ripple effect around the world.
Merit based jobs. Ha ha ha!
Ignorance is bliss. If only that was true. Not merit based at all, only those who swear loyalty and fealty to drump.
If only merit based hiring was applied in the Fijian government.
They wouldn’t have the shit show we are witnessing now.