As the furore rages over the senior staff rebellion at the ODPP over the reinstatement of Christopher Pryde, attention is starting to focus on the behind-the-scenes role of the Chief Justice, Salesi Temo, and whether he is colluding with the acting DPP, Nancy Tikoisuva, and the FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali, to thwart Pryde’s return.
The Fiji Sun has an intriguing front page story today which suggests that Temo is front and centre of the events that have brought the criminal justice system into grave disrepute and prompted the Attorney General, Graham Leung, to intervene with an appeal to respect Christopher Pryde’s “exoneration” and stop the unseemly public brawling.
While the Chief Justice brushes off the Fiji Sun‘s inquiry with a “no comment”, the paper is evidently hearing the same highly disturbing reports as Grubsheet – that Salesi Temo is the silent hand behind a conspiracy involving the Judicial Services Commission, the current leadership of the ODPP and the FICAC Commissioner to make sure Christopher Pryde doesn’t return as DPP.
Time will tell whether these reports are true and very soon. Because Pryde’s first day back at work on Monday is scheduled to start with a meeting with Salesi Temo in the CJ’s office. It promises to be an extraordinary encounter – the exonerated DPP coming face-to-face with the man who advised the former president to suspend him in April 2023, kept him waiting 21 months for justice, cut off his salary and falsely branded him a thief.
Salesi Temo was humiliated by the judgment of the three Tribunal judges who heard the allegations of misbehaviour against Christopher Pryde and pronounced him not guilty. But could the CJ really be planning to try again to nail the DPP with a fresh suspension and charge of misbehaviour based on the complaints by Nancy Tikoisuva and the gaggle of misfits who have mounted a palace coup at the ODPP? He certainly has the motive to do so.
We know that Tikoisuva and her gang – principally the Deputy DPP, John Rabuku – took just two days poring over the file they retrieved from the JSC – the same file it used to mount its unsuccessful prosecution – to find fresh evidence we are asked to believe the JSC missed. That evidence, according to this cabal, shows multiple instances of alleged financial misconduct by Christopher Pryde that Nancy and John have sent to their close friend at FICAC, Barbara Malimali, who is now deciding whether to the throw the book at the DPP.
Why wasn’t this evidence uncovered by the JSC? How did its investigators – who spent months trawling through the civil service and offices of state looking for evidence to support the JSC’s allegation of misbehaviour against Christopher Pryde – fail to notice what Nancy Tikoisuva and her grisly gang took just two days to pronounce as fraud on an industrial scale? For most Fijians – judging from the outcry on social media and in Grubsheet comments – it simply doesn’t wash, and smacks of a desperate attempt by the current leadership at the ODPP to protect their positions and lucrative salaries.
One thing that today’s Fiji Sun front page will do is to shift attention to the role of the Chief Justice, who the Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, confirmed in the substantive position of CJ almost as soon as the President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, had received the Pryde Tribunal report. They knew what was in it – a humiliating failure to nail the DPP – and clearly moved to shore up Salesi Temo’s position.
Recent events have triggered grave suspicion of a high level conspiracy to subvert the Tribunal’s findings and Pryde’s subsequent reinstatement. This involves laying fresh charges against him using the sweeping secret powers of FICAC. But could Salesi Temo also be planning to suspend the DPP again and set up another Tribunal to try him for misbehaviour? And on the same evidence that his own investigators missed but that Nancy Tikoisuva and her gang say they discovered two days after they retrieved the Pryde file from the JSC?
The answer to that is probably “yes”. Because these people want Christopher Pryde gone. They don’t accept the 2013 Constitution on which he was tried and acquitted. They want a DPP who isn’t independent and will carry out their agenda. And the great tragedy for Fiji is that they will stop at nothing to achieve their aim.
The nation will be closely watching what happens in the coming days. But as time goes on, it has become clear to all but the most gormless that there is something very rotten in the state of Fiji – an attack on the rule of law that is already triggering widespread concern but will escalate to alarm if some of the current rumours are confirmed. That concern is reflected in the latest statement by the Labour Party leader and former prime minister, Mahendra Chaudhry. (see below)
The old saying that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely has never had more resonance. What is unfolding is total state capture by the clique that promised change for the better in 2022 but instead is delivering a national nightmare – of once independent institutions infiltrated and corrupted. And there is one man at the pinnacle of this attack on democracy and betrayal of the Fijian people. Sitiveni Rabuka.
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The Chief Justice “stays silent”. On the front page. Yeah, right. The famous coconut radio is in overdrive about his behind-the-scenes role in this debacle.
One of the conspirators – Deputy DPP, John Rabuku – whose intemperate Facebook outbursts against his critics have debased the integrity of the ODPP.
Rabuka and Temo have no shame and no insight into public perception of their corrupt and shameless behaviour.
Pryde can have no trust in the system around him and ought to only hold discussions with a third party present documenting everything said.
These people feel empowered to carry out these illegal acts in full view of the public and it appears there is no one who is capable and willing to stop them!
Absolutely unbelievable!!
True. And it’s exactly this type of high level arrogance that emboldens others down the chain to practice systemic corruption in the broad light of day with no fear of investigation or consequence. The trickle down effect is what leads to a banana republic
Meanwhile, the Commander carries on as if all is hunky-dory in Fiji while the state goes to shit and naive people say “Give democracy a chance” isa lei Viti.
@Ratu Tevita your statement is very true.
This only exposes how biased, racist, ethno nationilist extremist he is.
@ Ratu Tevita & Just Fijian
Why should the military step in to solve a political problem that civil society cannoy fix?
Its a political problem for Christ sake…not a military problem!
Why dont keyboard warriors like you get off your bloated arses and go mobilise a public protest in the streets?
Dray yavu lamu sona
Anon: your views would be very different if it was not an ethno nationalist itaukei government in power.
If an IndoFijian led or dominated government was in control the military would have long ago intervened.
Just saying.
Rabuku is an example of an entitled man who thinks he is bigger than the law. He is like his uncle Rabuka in 1987. He thinks that the ultimate race is the itaukei race and all others don’t matter. Look at those on the top order in ODPP. They are all indigenous Fijians who think they have the merit to practice and hold such high profile roles.
The above shows why indigenous Fijians never prosper. They think success is overnight and there is no need for climbing up the ladder in time. They think everything is instant. Instant promotion. Instant gratification. Instant recognition.
Swines like Rabuka and his nephew Rabuku will destroy Fiji. Nancy is just a scapegoat with nothing to gain or lose. A useless person with no credibility.
Do women like Nancy, Malimali and Tabuya realise that they are the nobodies. That they are only used for now and then kicked out? Simply because these women hold no ethics. They will bitch, moan, and sleep their way to power with anyone. Just ask them. They know.
The state is in bad trouble. Out of control.
There’s not a single day that goes by where we don’t have to hear about these people.
So much corruption.
The change.
Fijians, please do not ever vote for anyone in parliament (coalition and opposition) come 2026. Learn to vote for people who hold respect, knowledge, integrity.
This is the change that people in Fiji wanted. So let them drown in their change rubbish.
People are getting poorer by the day, tax holidays for a multi billion dollar American owned company, lawyers who can’t figure out the constitution and the law, public meltdown by appointed officials, hospitals falling apart, robberies and crimes everywhere etc etc.
When evil selfish people rule, the demons run amok.
Mission and Values of the ODPP
The ODPP is proudly committed to upholding the values, policies, rights and freedoms set out in the Constitution.
Additionally, our Mission and Value statements articulate the essential principles that guide the conduct of the ODPP and our Code of Conduct binds all staff to act with honesty, and integrity, and to uphold the ODPP’s values and key objectives at all times.
Our MISSION: To deliver a fair and independent prosecution service, committed to the rule of law.
Responsibilities of the DPP:
The DPP is responsible for prosecuting crimes in Fiji,
The DPP can intervene in proceedings that raise public interest questions,
The DPP can appoint legal practitioners and police officers to prosecute cases.
It is clear that the CJ, NT, JR, and others are playing with the highest office that safeguards the rule of law and incharge of prosecuting crimes in Fiji.
They continue to coup this office with their thuggish rhetoric and tactics and now exposing all Fijians and expatriates to great danger. It is ultimately a very very serious matter and crime in itself. I am very concerned that the RFMF has not intervened given the grave threat this poses to the country. Is this an act of treason? Yes, it is.
I urge the RFMF and the President of Fiji to uphold the Constitution and its provisions of rights for a safe Fiji. We are in deep crisis.
The rise of idiots in Fiji. This should be the byline of the coalition.
We are an international embarrassment. Even the smallest nations in the Pacific who dont have 10% of our population are laughing at Fiji.
The idiots are totally drunk numb and are taking Fiji’s reputation, if we had any to begin with, to the brothel.
To those that voted for the coalition, I hope they can see the destruction we’ve brought onto us. There is a time when people need to raise thier voices, that time is now or it will be never.
Some idiots are treating the law as their father’s property and this is a big put off for the international community. I dont know what Baigaan Prasad of NFP is thinking, or what Richie rich Naidu has to say? I doubt as they all have self interests to serve.
We are headed to total loss of public and international faith in our judiciary. But nice work, as I am sure the PM is “not aware of this situation”-the bloody dumbest idiot.
All these problems can be solved if Donald Trump takes over Fiji. I hope USA takes over Fiji and turns Fiji into a state. Shityveni and his thugs can be easily kicked out and put in jail. After all, Fiji and the people running the country are a joke.
I continually see comments like Australia should take over Fiji & now this comment. Firstly how? & secondly why?
These idiots need to get a brain and run the country which they have been wanting to do by kicking out the Indians ( cunning Indians they say). Looks like they cannot do so. How does the AG let this happen? Or is he like most senior officers / ministers in Fiji gallavanting to international conferences. Expats come to Fiji to get this cushy jobs and be well known and respected when they would merely be a low level officers in their home country. The Fijians are simply abusing their roles in government. They get a position but cannot work hard or have the skills to perform.
Anyway, this circus is entertaining.
Either Australia or USA should take over Fiji because Fiji can’t do things right.
@Slacker, Fiji is a stategically located country in the Pacific.
It will be a grand win if Trump takes over Fiji.
Strategically located for rape, Rob and Riot. Yes, Trump will come and build 100 Trump Towers and the Native Land Board can charge $US 25 million a year lease money. Elites can live off the lease, the poor can like off the crumbs, the vulagis can wash the toilets of Trump Towers, and Fiji can live happily ever after….
Do you know that Trump will take the land from the Native Fijians even if they don’t want to give it to him?
Yep
It’s coming.
He will go forever this time.
Allegations are serious, tax payers money misused.
Pryde needs to prove he’s done nothing wrong.
One point to note Pryde is a Khaiyum recruit and this coalition wants him gone, either by hook or by crook.
Honorable thing for him to do is resign and go back to NZ.
If he is found guilty of misappropriation of funds,than Naboro may be the place next.
There won’t be any second chance.
Nothing predictable about this coalition government.
Why does CP have to prove his innocence? The State has to prove its case beyond any reasonable doubt.
Both parties in a case needs to prove who’s wrong and who’s right.
Thank you
Excuse me but three High Court judges just exonerated the DPP. It’s just that those who were found to be wrong won’t accept the verdict.
CP was cleared for charges on misbehavior.
While he was the DPP and files were waiting on his table for charges against former government members GD.
Three judges cleared him for that of having no substance in his case.
Here a completely new case has been filed which is abuse of office.
CP needs to clear that.
It’s very simple, like Bainimarama went to prison, doesn’t mean he has served his term for all other cases.
He will be tried for other charges in court.
Wee willy johnson: you is trying too hard. Careful now, you might hurt yous brain.
You are trying to say:
Innocent until proven guilty without any reasonable doubts in a fair, transparent and independent court of law before impartial judge/ jury.
So yeah, innocent until proven guilty.
To be sure, the accused has to prove nothing. The onus is on the prosecution to prove beyond any reasonable doubt the accused is guilty as charged.
Kripes. I need a drink.
We need to go into snap elections now. There is too much damage. The country is out of control and we the taxpayers need to have a voice now.
GD
It was the same Chief Justice Temo who was instrumental in getting Fiji’s ex-prime minster, Bainimarama imprisoned, despite him being cleared by a magistrate in the lower courts. Temo was also instrumental in making serious allegations and calling Pryde a thief and gave disparaging witness statement with a view to getting rid of him at the Tribunal hearing.
Meanwhile, Fiji’s judiciary has become a laughing stock and toxic. Frankly, I can’t understand why Pryde wants to come back when the entire gang of the untouchables are hell bent on destroying his reputation and credibility by digging and presenting “scattergun” approach evidence against him.
My advice to him is there is still a chance to negotiate a decent settlement package because the situation there has become untenable and toxic. The current situation there is fractured, unworkable and expect more disharmony with more trumped up allegations against Pryde are inevitable. One way or another, expect Temo and his gang will get rid Pryde sooner rather than later.
All actors who are also Lawyers…hang your heads in shame.
It would be difficult to do it a second time, given the allegations relate to the initial allegations, which he has not been found guilty of.
Even Temo, despite being the buffoon of the judiciary, would realise a second attempt to charge Pryde will fail.
Pryde will be in his office on Monday. No ifs or buts. Nancy and John are going to have a sleepless weekend because come Monday, Pryde will be in his office and they know that just like John Constantine, he will smite them back to hell.
I gravely fear for Pryde. He is one courageous man to go back. With these guys, I don’t know what they are capable of.
The work environment will also be too toxic that it will be hard to work in. He will need mechanisms in place to protect himself, even in a basic encounter with a staff member. Someone trustworthy to be with him at all times who takes notes of what transpires.
Pryde should cut his losses. How can he work with such incompetent people?
You have Rabuku on social media asking Aman Ravinder Singh ( who was critical of senior ODPP staff) to come back to serve his sentence and Aman cannot have a view on the rule of law until he serves his sentence. Additionally he claims he is allowed to comment despite his position as he was using his personal account. The man clearly has no idea regarding the requirements of his position and on matters he can comment on social media using his personal account (comments re Aman not allowed). Neither can he reason. Aman is allowed his views despite him fleeing Fiji (for his own protection).
Rabuku is going through a gender crisis. Please understand that it can be a very difficult and stressful time. Hence, professional and personal has no boundaries for him now.
‘Pryde should cut his losses. How can he work with such incompetent people?’
While this might be an agreeable option to many, CP is in a tough situation.
If CP resigns the goons win.
Resignation will likely mean he does not get a cent owed to him.
If CP sues for defamation by CJ and State, guess who will hear the case.
If he returns, CP risks arrest and further humiliation and unending drama. Stop departure order.
The vindictive and vengeful ODPP, FICAC, Shitromi, Shiteve, pedo president, baiman and the rest of mp’s that had cases before ficac will hound CP like a pack of wild dogs.
As Shiteve said CP has ‘no way out.’
This is what happens when we promote people to positions of authority based on the accident that they have or once had curly hair on their heads.
Our governments continue to ignore valedictorians, university gold medalists, dux of colleges, A plus graduates for people just because they have curly hair.
Its a loss for Fiji in every sense. As long as the culture of curly hair promotion exists, we are doomed.
I have nothing against itaukei who are worthy of their appointments based on merit. Some of the smartest people I know are itaukei but there is nothing smart or intelligent in 99% of this coalition government’s appointments. Its all based on what you look like.
Sorry to say this but it is the truth.
With Temo anything is possible.This is the man who told rape victims in his court they were asking for it and tried to give all the mutineers a discharge and had to be stopped after the coup. How he got promoted after being such a terrible magistrate is beyond me.
The commission that oversees the appointment of staff in the office of the DPP should be very aware of the impending workplace crisis when Pryde starts work – does anyone think that the office will perform its function well with the current lot of pretenders. It is in the public interest and in the interest of the legal system that the band of mutineers ( Ribuku, Nanise etc) be made to walk the plank and let Pryde steer the ship professionally.
Otherwise the ODPP will sink and disintegrate with the obvious internal incompetence if not the bitter insubordination and infighting. The nation deserves better.
Anyone calling out for the commander of RFMF to intervene or ask for removal of an elected government should be taken to task.
Military is custodian to protect its citizens and not to clear an elected government’s wrong doings.
No government deserves to be removed by force if the citizens of its country has chosen them.
Everyone needs to wait for the next election.
Fiji should by now come out of that dark ages of coup culture.
@Johnson, where did you get the idea of military coup. It it about the commander calling out the government of the day when the constitution is breached. 2013 Constitution is smartly designed to prevent military coup. If your remory still works, Bainimararama said he will end coup culture. It was ethno nationalist Rabuka openly boasted after his 1987 that he wanted to get rid of Indo-Fijians. He said God told him and iTaukeis regarded him as their saviour.
After 35 years Indo-Fijians forgave him of all the aristocracies and sufferings believing he is really a changed man.
Only after 2 years of suffering and worsening future do they realise Rabuka is not worth the toilet to wipe Bainimarama’s shit.
You are funny Indiana(Jones) Reddy.
You need to go find treasure.
Spoken like a real johnson unfamiliar with the existing constitutional clauses about rfmf’s role as guardians of constitutional governance.
The role is well defined and has nothing to do with a coup.
Yet the willies and johnsons among us fail to acknowledge nor understand that the grandfather of coups, mutiny, murder and mayhem is none other than the unpunished mega racist idiot, adulterous current prime minister.
Such johnsons are blinded by their inherent racism, ignorance, arrogance, and hate fir neighbors.
Sadly, willies johnsons pricks tits sluts dicks similarly populate both the country and government in large numbers.
These wilies and johnsons and the rest off them all have the charm, charisma, and intelligence of boulders in the jungle-from whence they came.
These are all scare tactics.
Christopher Pryde has been exonerated by the highest offices in the land and the whole country knows it.
Keep calm and carry on.
In 2022 we thought Rabuka was a better alternative to replace Bainimarama. Now we can see he does not have a fraction of capability or conscience to match FB. What a waste and disgrace for the country.
He should be investigated for cronyism. He has planted his corrupted, incompetent, convict stooges in all key positions for his power hunger.
Maybe for 10 years Aiyaz was handling about 4 ministry portfolios. He was not getting paid 4 times. He did not complain for being overloaded, working late in the night scratching his balls, I mean the snaky bold head (or maybe both).
Why is Baimaan not complaining now for wastage of taxpayers money. Open your mouth Bimaan and justify the increased expenses of ministerial wages. (Even though many feel like, I will not put anything in your mouth, I promise).
Since this government came in, we have seen increased suffering of the people and wastage of taxpayer money. For last 2 years we have seen increased crime, murders, rape, drugs, burglary, domestic violence, poor road conditions, hospitals in disgusting states, drop in education, racial discrimination, racial tension, etc, etc, etc.
Just Fijian- Baiman can’t speak with his mouth full. He forever has snake SLRs member in his mouth.
Nothing surprises me when it comes to Fiji and the incompetent CJ Temo. The appeal by the spineless Attorney General for people to ‘Shut Up’ will be ignored!
Temo has shown time and again that he will do anything to ensure that his prodigal appointees are protected. I will bet that he has spent a considerable amount of time plotting against the returning DPP.
He and the equally incompetent Minister for Justice were found out at the Tribunal with their allegations being dismissed and they don’t like it!
All of this points to another legal shambles as the CJ and his racist acolytes seek to derail the return of Christopher Pryde. Whilst the people of Fiji and the diplomatic community witness a further downgrade of Fiji’s reputation.
It’s not about being brave at all as working in Fiji isn’t as dangerous as many other countries, the kiwilad (Pryde) prefers to work in Fiji as head of a constitutional office.
What kind of legal work exactly would he be doing if he returns to NZ?
I was just thinking what sort of legal work Nancy Tikoisuva and John Rabuku will be doing for the rest of their frigid lives when all this ends.
Making an enemy of the Fiji Law Society when they face being thrown onto the street is hardly a sound career move. Unless, of course, they want to wind up prosecuting traffic offences in Palau (like their colleague whose name escapes me) and spend the rest of their days driving up and down the same street on the wrong side of the road.
Similar question could be asked of Malimali, though she seems to be friends with everyone, including FLS. Though she has been barred from legal practice in Tuvalu, because of the judge swimming incident, if the letter floating around on FB is to be believed.
It’s simply a credibility issue.
The three judges who xenorated DPP Pryde or the two morons currently @ Gunu House, until their boss shows up Monday?
Nancy & John are front runners for the 2025 Darwin Awards and I’m betting my farm on Pryde.
Ouch the collateral damage that is so well deserved to these two imbeciles!
Chris Pryde should ask for clarity and action before taking back office:
Payment of 9 months back salary
Restore current salary immediately
Revalidate current contract
Assurances from COC, president and prime minister he will be free to perform the functions of DPP without hindrance — in writing
Steer clear of local media
Removal of rabuku and nanise and the other assistant dpps for prejudiced public statements and professional misconduct making their employment untenable under CP.
As an attorney and DPP, CP knows more about his present situation than any of us. One can only hope CP exercises extreme caution.
Rabuka is a Methodist lay preacher and knows the word of God! Throwing Bainimarama into prison after the magistrates court found him not guilty is tantamount to avenging the past and for that- Rabuka is now being avenged by the Man upstairs !
Rabuka is the only compost that is escaping prison so far but in 2026 he will go to prison !
You cannot make an example of coupists if one continues to run around free! No more coups so send that father of all coups to prison people ! Don’t buy the PAP bullshit anymore !
Talk about changing the constitution Oilei! Remove mada ga the immunity clause and see if he has the balls to face court for his crimes that he has a tendency to lasulasu for in constantly asking for forgiveness ! Sega Rabuka you’ll be judged on earth and in heaven too so prepare old man !