Further to our previous story last night, the Opposition has since issued a strong statement calling for the removal of the Chief Justice and accusing the Prime Minister and the President of failing in their duty to do so.
The statement has added potency because it is being given headline treatment today by both the Fiji Times and the Fiji Sun, which have not always given this story the prominence it deserves.
It is in defiance of the threat by Salesi Temo‘s lawyer, Isireli Fa, to take legal action against anyone “politicising” the current standoff and the call by the Acting Attorney General, Siromi Turaga, to allow the law to take its course. Clearly neither the Opposition nor the media are in the mood to be intimidated.
In our last article, we said the clamour for the CJ’s removal was now such that the Prime Minister and President have no choice but to act. And by morning, that pressure has gone to a whole new level.
From the Fiji Sun…
And the Fiji Times…
————–
On that other story we’ve been following…
What a difference a week makes. The Prime Minister has his wife, Sulueti, with him in New York for the UN General Assembly and as Grubsheet first reported, Lynda Tabuya is nowhere to be seen.
And to think the Strumpet of Spin was so close to the centre of power just days ago.
Not anymore. The ever loyal and ever classy Missus is by the PM’s side in the Big Apple, not his Minister for Bullsh*t, Bonking and Weed.
Where’s Lynda now? Reportedly on her way back to Fiji in disgrace. For not knowing her place.
From feather duster to rooster to feather duster again.
Again there is a misconception. Police investigation is still on foot to determine whether charges will be laid or not based on the findings of CO.
The findings in the COI could be not used as evidence against all those implicated which also includes the CJ.
Only after police investigations are completed if those implicated charged they must all step aside until their trial is over.
The disoriented opposition suddenly making noise, since election is just around the corner.
There is a major problem with your analysis. The Prime Minister has confirmed that there is NO police investigation into the Chief Justice. There clearly should be and there are certainly grounds to suspend him now and put him before a tribunal of judges because he is bringing the entire criminal justice system into disrepute.
You say the “opposition is suddenly making a noise”. That’s what they are paid to do, you dolt.
Why have a COI or an investigation now or in future about anything if the findings are simply ignored and those implicated simply go about as if nothing happened? What is the point of any investigation then? Or is this a cultural thing in Fiji? You only go after the vulagis and not the people of the land. The people of the land are entitled to make up their own laws as they go.
I wish to remind all who care about the integrity of our nation that the fundamental issue here is not merely about personalities or accusations. It is about the maintenance of rigorous standards—standards without which justice ceases to be justice.
We must work tirelessly to raise and uphold the standards of those entrusted with the administration of justice. The problem we face is one where the very foundation of these standards—the impartiality, accountability, and fairness of the judiciary—is being called into question.
To permit a situation where a Chief Justice, accused of serious breaches of the law, positions himself both as accuser and defender is to debase the judicial office and risk the confidence of the nation in its institutions.
National leaders—be they Prime Minister or President—must act decisively, not out of personal or customary loyalties, but out of duty to the Constitution and to the people who expect and deserve a justice system above reproach.
Progress and stability depend on ensuring that our standards do not falter or deteriorate. This is vital, not only for the respect due to the office of the Chief Justice but for the very foundation of lawful governance.
If we lower these standards, then the integrity of our nation is jeopardized.
No truer words have been said.
Unfortunately, the horse has long ago bolted on this one.
The only logical next step is damage control and the long slow recovery to get back to normality.
This recovery process will be very difficult given that most Itaukeis (me and a small minority excluded) do not see anything wrong with what is happening now. They see this as correcting the perceived “injustices” of the last so called “16 years”. However misguided that is.
To complete the process, there needs to be police investigations, people getting charged and taken to court, CJ suspended, disciplinary committee set up to investigate, some people need to get sacked after due process, some people unfairly dismissed previously need to be reinstated and or compensated. DPP Pryde needs to resume duties. There is a whole lot of work to be done.
The main obstacle currently is the Coalition governments lack of political will to take action.
Our justice system has been well and truly damaged.
The economic consequences to an already fragile small economy must not be underestimated.
Not to mention how the rest of the global world perceive us. Right now, we are approaching banana republic status very fast. Or maybe we are already there.
Either
the cheque cleared and now with lucre in the bank their tails are wagging
or
the money promised has not appeared and now they are growling.
Woof ! woof!
“all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand” William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, spoken by Lady Macbeth in Act 5, Scene 1″
Whilst everyone is worried about what is next, Rabuka and his gang are busy eating, traveling, buying more properties and just having a jolly good time. I see he only knows how to keep.his women happy. A cheery looking Sulu has joined him in USA and the other chicken has probably flown back to Fiji.
Yes, post just updated with Sulu by the PM’s side in New York.
Graham, your comment under “On that other story we’ve been following…” would sound truer if the word “back” was included in it. Thus, revised as:
“What a difference a week makes. The Prime Minister has his wife, Sulueti, back with him in New York for the UN General Assembly and as Grubsheet first reported, Lynda Tabuya is nowhere to be seen.”
Back where she belongs. A gracious lady to whom the PM owes a great deal.
You reckon Lynda has avoided USA for fear of being arrested for the GOFIG bankruptcy scam she done with ex or current husband Rob Semaan?
Put it this way. She can no longer be certain under the more stringent Trump border arrangements of being allowed into the US. And rest assured that there are a lot of ordinary Americans who are very upset with her. The US authorities have also been alerted to her close ties to the Chinese Ambassador in Suva and the money she has received from Beijing. As if they didn’t already know.
Fiji, candidates for election to Parliament are legally required to declare that they are not an “undischarged bankrupt”. This is a key eligibility requirement under Section 23(4) of the Electoral Act 2014.
Requirements for electoral candidates
According to the Fijian Elections Office and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Be a citizen of Fiji and not hold citizenship of any other country.
Be registered on the Register of Voters.
Be ordinarily resident in Fiji for at least two years immediately before being nominated.
Not be an undischarged bankrupt.
Not be a member of the Electoral Commission within four years immediately preceding their nomination.
Not be subject to a sentence of imprisonment when nominated.
Financial disclosure laws
In addition to the bankruptcy requirement, Fiji has broader financial disclosure rules for candidates:
Under the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013, candidates must make declarations of their assets, income, and liabilities.
The disclosures must include information for the candidate, their spouse, and children, covering all assets and liabilities both in Fiji and abroad.
These declarations are published in the Government Gazette.