Extraordinary details are emerging of the Head of State, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, seizing executive authority from the Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, in a grave violation of his role under the Constitution that some are casting as treason.
In a clear case of “state capture”, the Tui Cakau has seized control of the reins of power and imposed his will in a number of instances that are unlawful and warrant his removal. Except that the Prime Minister doesn’t have the mettle to confront him because Lalabalavu is his high chief.
Some of this defiance of Fiji’s elected leader by the figurehead President is becoming known in official circles, though it is yet to appear in public. But it all amounts to an attempt by Ratu Naiqama to exert his chiefly authority as an executive president and impose his will on the government and the nation.
He is doing so, in part, through an alliance with someone he has known since his youth and to whom he is now related by marriage – the equally rogue Chief Justice, Salesi Temo. The President and the Chief Justice are said to have grown up together in the Suva suburb of Raiwaqa when the Lalabalavu dynasty was sidelined in the power structure in Cakaudrove and the chiefly position of Tui Cakau was occupied by Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau.
So it is a relationship that goes back many years yet has now taken on a new potency as Ratu Naiqama uses his position as President to protect and defend Salesi Temo from the attempts to remove him after the Supreme Court Commission of Inquiry accused him of perjury and obstructing and perverting the course of justice.
It is an incredible saga that has been hidden from the public and is best explained in sequential form starting from when Salesi Temo was appointed Acting Chief Justice in January 2023. Ratu Naiqama was, at that time, Speaker of the Parliament. But in November 2024, he was sworn in as Fiji’s seventh President.
In the meantime, the Fiji Law Society and prominent lawyers such as Imrana Jalal were making it known that Salesi Temo was unsuitable to hold the position of Chief Justice. The Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, is said to have given a specific undertaking that while it was too late to revoke his acting position, Temo would not be confirmed as the substantive Chief Justice.
Yet to the general consternation of the legal profession, Salesi Temo was confirmed as Chief Justice on Christmas Eve, December 24 2024. It was a day after the Tuilevuka Tribunal had exonerated the DPP, Christopher Pryde, on charges of misconduct, which included Temo making the extraordinary claim in open court that Pryde was a “thief”.
It was widely thought that Pryde’s exoneration after being so publicly pursued by Temo – who had unlawfully suspended his salary for eight months – would spell the end of Temo’s hopes of becoming the permanent CJ. So why was he immediately confirmed?
The story of what happened is gob-smacking and unprecedented in Fijian history – a constitutional coup carried out by the President to install his old friend and relative against the express wishes of the Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, from whom he is required by law to take advice and instruction.
According to impeccable sources, Rabuka had decided that he wanted Salesi Temo gone and the substantive CJ to come from outside Fiji. This was to be in the form of a New Zealand judge, Gerard Winter, who has a long history in Fiji, sits on the Court of Appeal and who Rabuka thought would be best placed to rectify the dysfunction and unlawful conduct by Temo in the acting position.
This included the debacle of Christopher Pryde’s removal, which continues to this day, and the acute embarrassment of three Supreme Court judges finding that Temo’s choice of John Rabuku as Acting DPP was illegal because Rabuku had been found guilty of professional misconduct.
What happened instead? According to these sources, Ratu Naiqama simply decided against the wishes of the Prime Minister to install his old friend and relative in the substantive position of Chief Justice. The Christmas Eve announcement was made unilaterally by the President in specific contravention of Section 82 of the Constitution that stipulates that he can only “act on advice” of the Prime Minister as head of the Cabinet. The PM was reportedly informed after the event and told that it was too late to rescind the appointment.
So there is no question that Ratu Naiqama acted outside the law. To defy the Constitution and the powers bestowed on him as a figurehead President and assume the role of an executive president is, in fact, a grave violation of his duty and the oath he swore to uphold the Constitution. By rights, he should be immediately suspended and a tribunal set up to try him for misbehaviour, as the Constitution stipulates. He is also open to a criminal charge of abuse of office and even treason against the State.
Why hasn’t that happened? Put simply, it is because he is Sitiveni Rabuka’s chief. The Prime Minister has revived the Great Council of Chiefs and the ruling People’s Alliance wants to restore the power of the chiefs through a return to the 1997 Constitution. But it is an appalling violation of Rabuka’s duty to the nation that he has allowed Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu to so unashamedly usurp his powers. And while Rabuka does nothing to remove Salesi Temo and now, remove Lalabalavu as President, he too is culpable in that he is enabling an unprecedented violation of the supreme law.
While the failure to bring Lalabalavu to account goes on, he also continues to exert powers that he simply doesn’t have in defiance of the Prime Minister’s wishes.
- According to these sources, the Prime Minister supported the calls by Justice David Ashton- Lewis and the opposition leader, Inia Seruiratu, for Barbara Malimali to be stood aside as FICAC Commissioner for the duration of the Commission of Inquiry into her appointment. This was refused by Salesi Temo as head of the Judicial Services Commission with the backing his friend, the President, and Malimali was allowed to interfere with the proceedings by sacking her chief investigator, Kuliniasi Saumi, after he gave evidence.
- The Prime Minister is also supporting calls for Salesi Temo to be suspended as Chief Justice after the COI alleged that he had committed perjury and perverted the course of justice. But the President is again siding with his old friend and relative and is refusing to do so.
- Ratu Naiqama has suspended the salary of the DPP, Christopher Pryde, on the advice of the Chief Justice and the Acting Attorney General, Siromi Turaga, despite it also being unlawful. It was Temo and Turaga who pursued Pryde in their abortive attempt to remove him and despite his exoneration by three Supreme Court judges, continue to hound him with trumped up charges that the court has already examined and dismissed.
It all amounts to corruption of the gravest kind at the pinnacle of the state. Fiji not only has a rogue Chief Justice but a rogue President and Head of State. And we have a Prime Minister who won’t perform his duty to bring the President to heel because of his forelock-tugging subservience to his high chief.
If there was ever a reason for the RFMF Commander, Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, to perform his own constitutional duty to “protect the well-being” of every Fijian, this is it. It not a question of mounting a military coup to seize power but to intervene to prevent the current outrageous assault on the integrity of the state – a constitutional coup by a President who has usurped the powers of the Prime Minister and is in effective control of the State in league with his friend and relative.
We are in very dangerous territory as a nation and both Ratu Naiqama Lalabalvu and Salesi Temo must go. And if he refuses to perform to own constitutional duty and insist that they go, Sitiveni Rabuka is also unfit for public office and must go too. And go quickly because the state totters and an urgent intervention has become a national imperative.
Given that Kalouniwai also has some chiefly ties, he is unlikely to do anything to upset the balance and because he doesn’t have the same stamina as other military leaders.
As I’ve stated previously, the way out of this isn’t through Kalouniwai; rather, we need someone within the military security council to uphold the Constitution and restore the rule of law in Fiji.
There is such a person and he is no doubt watching his beloved country turn to shambles. Perhaps this new revelation will be the straw that breaks the camel’s back and spur this military officer into action, for the good of his country and all Fijians.
I would much prefer the Prime Minister to assert his authority with the backing of the Commander. But this cannot go on.
Mate, you and I have been watching this country go to the apes since Rabuka came to power and let’s be honest that he’s not going to do anything. Rabuka says one thing now, then reverses his decision immediately after that.
For someone who started his term in government by allowing the word vulagi to be used freely to describe anyone not a Fijian, the bloke is as racist and corrupt as they come.
The leadership from the defence forces in Fiji to the government are all in cahoots. They need to be booted out and I don’t believe the normal methods are going to work.
This is what happens when you have a VAKAVANUA government. Anything that is mixed with VAKAVANUAwhether it’s sports, govt or religion will turn into a pile of shit.
We have a lame duck prime minister. A prime minister in name only.
Constitutionally, the position President is supposed to be ceremonial and that of the Prime Minister is supposed to be substantial, but in Fiji we have the opposite situation: Contrary to the constitution, the position of President is substantial, and the position of the Prime Minister is ceremonial.
President Naiqama is the effective Prime Minister while Rabuka is the Prime Minister name only. As Prime Minister Rabuka, does not serve the interests of the citizens or Fiji or the interests of the country of Fiji. PM Rabuka serves interests of President Naiqama. Four Rabuka, the interest of Naiqama comes first. The interest of Fiji citizens and the country of Fiji come second, after Naiqama.
That or Rabuka is being bullied and abused by Naiqama. Rabuka does not have the balls to stand up to Naiqama, let alone the balls to be Prime Minister.
Rabuka is old and weak. Rabuka is not fit to be PM.
Rabuka should be sacked.
There is the issue of the Constitution which many consider illegal and unless something is done to address that issue those concerned will continue to make decisions based on mythical laws that suit their own priorities and agendas. Who will step up to save the Nation and establish the Rule of Law?
I like the Army Commander as I firmly believe he is well balanced and educated. I believe that he wants what’s best for the people and the country and respects the rule of law. I also think due to the Army Commander humble nature the PM and other senior govt officials do not take him seriously and this is evident in the COI directives. To due not enough action. I think the Military wants the rule of law to prevail and rightfully so, but they must also understand that Coup occurs in various forms and exactly what is happening now is a Judicial Coup. I recall Tim Tam who is Siromi Turaga (uses an Alias)
Submitted into the COI in evidence saying to me that if you control the Judiciary you control the country. This is exactly what is happening. However a bit more about The Tui Cakau. In 2009 Tui Cakau tried to conduct a Coup when Frank Bainimarama was away in China but he used Ganilau to do it. Who went up to Nalalatikau (who was president at the time) saying that he has control of the military and they are ready to take over. But Nailalatikau held it together and delayed any take over by Calling Frank in China this recent coup was stopped. Not long after this Ganilau went back to the village and resigned from his position from there.
In saying this we are fast learning that the president is rogue and power has corrupted him to the core. At least the MPs in parliament are happy he is gone as they hated him as Speaker due to this very reason. There is no hope in Fiji when all facets of the system that is suppose to be democratic is compromised. So Graham how can anyone let alone us grassrootz have a fair chance of getting the rule of law to prevail???
We do hope that the Army Commander looks around him at the people and builds the courage from within to do what is right for the wellbeing of our people. But at the same time the Government should not blatantly disrespect him and the Green institution as after all they are the guardians of the Galaxy of The Fiji Islands.
Graham, this is not the Fiji I remember everything and everyone has changed. There is drugs even young children using and selling it, there’s HIV one person a day is infected. Than there is corruption at all levels. Big question is when is this going to stop? When is a leader going to be a leader and look and listen to the plight of its people?? By the way it’s going the more we try to change something the more is stays the same.
The Prime Minister can salvage this situation and exert authority as Head of the executive arm. It would be the preferred method. There would be no need to have spineless military commander to step in if the PM just does his job correctly.
Graham make no mistake, Rabuka is all in with Naiqama’s ursuping powers from the Fijian people. Rabuka was and is Naiqama’s disciple. I would’nt be suprised if Naiqama was behind the 87/coup because he definitely was behind the 2000. Both of them, Rabuka and Naiqama. George was the fall guy. Rabuka only had to sidestep when the Military would not back him. This man have been a power-hunger front for Naiqama for decades. They only have one agenda. For their province & their kind to be the supreme Authority in Fiji. Khaiyum was the direct protogé of Rabuka and Naiqama. Everything that Khaiyum did to the Itaukei was exactly the kind of politics these two idiots metered out to the ‘others’ in Fiji…and let’s not forget how Khaiyum slipped through the police cell to Nadi Airport fleeing to Australia aftet the 87 coup- All under the watch of the Minister of National Security😬
There’a alot of things going on behind the scene that people do not know about Rabuka and Naiqama… And still itaukei loves them. Shame.
1. The Chiefly System and Government
Frank Bainimarama’s decision to remove the Great Council of Chiefs from its political role was a defining part of his leadership. He argued that the chiefly system had become politicized and was being used to promote ethnic divisions, particularly favoring iTaukei interests over national unity. Supporters of this move believed it was necessary to create a modern, inclusive state that treats all Fijians equally—regardless of ethnicity or status.
Critics, however, saw it as a dismantling of traditional institutions and a disrespect to indigenous heritage.
2. Rabuka and the Restoration of the Chiefly System
Sitiveni Rabuka’s return to power and his re-engagement with the chiefly system has been polarizing. Some view it as a necessary reconnection with Fijian culture and traditions, while others—see it as a regression that could undermine the progress made under the 2013 Constitution. Rabuka’s past, including his involvement in the 1987 coups, also colors public perception, especially among minority and Indo-Fijian communities.
3. 2013 vs 1997/1999 Constitution
The 2013 Constitution, implemented under Bainimarama, is praised for introducing:
One common identity: all citizens called Fijians.
Equal electoral votes (no ethnic voting).
A secular state.
Protection of socioeconomic rights (education, health, etc.).
However, critics argue it was imposed without wide consultation and lacks legitimacy due to its origins after a military coup.
Reverting to the 1997 Constitution (often referenced with 1999 due to the election that brought Chaudhry to power) would potentially bring back:
Ethnically allocated parliamentary seats.
The Great Council of Chiefs’ constitutional role.
A power-sharing model based on ethnicity.
For many, this could threaten the progress made in leveling the political field, especially for minorities.
What the 1997 paper (properly placed aside in the dust bin of history in the best interests of all Fijians) – will do is re-introduce three parallel layers of governance to add to the current mayhem we have.
Give more undue prominence and power the unelected, unmerited, unqualified, unethical, uneducated bunch if clowns dressed up in suit and ties. Much like hogs and lipstick idiom.
Next to the gcc clowns, and pretty much the same people will be the “nominated” Senate. ‘Nominated’ by the same gcc (8) and the prime minister’s (8) nominees.
The old document also allowed for the leader of the opposition to ‘nominate’ his/her group of mofkers’ cronies–usually the failed election candidates.
So then we’ll have the following layers of co-equal governance and chaos: elected parliament, appointed Ratu prez (hopefully not another pedo), the gcc, the senate, the still corrupt judiciary.
All to make sure we remain third rate, third world, underdeveloped, uneducated, unemployed, bickering and biting each other 800, 000-odd populace.
With the current pace of emigration we’ll have 700k left of those that remain, an ever more shrinking tax base, continuing decline in investments, more government borrowing and more begging and more politicians living large on public dime–on credit.
More government SUVs, drivers, electronic gadgets, entertainment allowances, travel allowances, more office rentals, more bribery, more corruption, more porn, more drugs, more HIV, more urban drift, more violent crimes, more home invasions, more racism, more lotu.
To add to the bright future, we will have more “declarations that the iTaukei face an “existential” identity crisis, urban youth losing their mataqali knowledge, kinship roles fading, traditions unravelling.” (paraphrasing FijiLeaks).
More “homeless” natives. If ever there was an oxymoron, it must include “homeless natives.”
But hang on a minute, there is hope still. The gcc will have all the answers. If not the senate. If not the talatala (lotu), if not the vanua, if not the qoliqoli and the qele.
Not to worry though, Fiji’s resilience will ensure we are gonna get there – wherever the fk we are heading edging ever closer to the proverbial cliff.
Correct me if I’m wrong…but wasn’t Gerard Winter the Judge who presided over Rabuka’s case? Rabuka got acquitted and Winter left the country soon after delivering his Judgment.
Was Rabuka returning the favor by putting Winter’s name up as CJ?
Yes to point 1. Maybe to Point 2.
From the Sydney Morning Herald Dec 12 2006:
“Rabuka not guilty of inciting mutiny
Former Fiji coup leader and prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka has been acquitted of inciting a mutiny six years ago that aimed to assassinate current coup leader Frank Bainimarama.
An elated Rabuka emerged from Fiji’s High Court saying he was done with politics and would pursue a peaceful career bottling water.
A judge acquitted Rabuka of two counts of inciting mutiny after a jury panel of five civilian assessors failed to reach a unanimous verdict.
Although four of the panel found him guilty on one count, Justice Gerard Winter told Rabuka the state could not prove his intent to incite former senior army officer Lieutenant Colonel Viliame Seruvakula to overthrow and assassinate army commander Bainimarama in 2000.
Only two assessors found him guilty of the other count.
In the mutiny in November 2000, rebel soldiers tried unsuccessfully to take over the military headquarters at Queen Elizabeth II Barracks on the outskirts of the capital Suva.
Bainimarama escaped assassination by climbing out of a window and running down a wooded bank behind the officers mess. But the clash left five rebel soldiers and three loyalist troops dead.
“I’m free,” said a jubilant Rabuka, who led Fiji’s two 1987 coups and served as the country’s prime minister from 1992 until his election defeat in 1999.
Perhaps heeding Bainimarama’s threats to crack down on opponents of his new regime, Rabuka said he would “rather not comment” on Fiji’s latest coup, staged last week.
The former army colonel faced a lengthy jail term if he was found guilty on both counts and admitted he was nervous waiting for the judge’s verdict after the assessors’ split decision.”
For God’s sake…lets get real!!! Rabuka is part of this whole plan. He isn’t obligated to listen to his Pedophile President disguised as a so called Chief – these thieves are all in on it.
How many times have we heard Rabuka say one thing and then doing the total opposite.
He doesn’t want equality, he isn’t for peace and harmony, and most certainly he is against the 2013 Constitution- why else would there be a review of the Constitution which will take us back to the days of 87 and 2000.
Anyone believing that Rabuka is powerless and being controlled by that old fu*k is seriously deluded.
You are forgetting that it is clearly in Rabuka’s interests for the 2013 Constitution to be maintained. Why? Because the d’Hondt electoral system of the “big man” getting the votes and taking the others across the line makes it a lot more of a risk for the PAP to get rid of him.
Go back to the individual constituencies of 1997 and he’s just another face in the crowd. Retain the 2013 model and they need the “big man” to attract the mass vote to stay in government after 2026
I tend to believe that Rabuka is in this as well.
He is after all the one that extorted the former President in the hotel room in NZ into relinquishing his position. This was after PAP had publicly stated that they will renew his tenure for another term.
He would have known then that he would not be able to control his provincial chief once he is appointed president.
I wonder what came of that Fiji Pine investigation that the former President was blackmailed with.
With due respect to William Golding (British Author)- Lord of the Flies (1954) in action now in Fiji. Or Barbarians at the Gate.
All these so called old elite Fijians and half dying officials of state should go to their village and get themselves prepared to die.
There’s so much fresh air in the village.
Go and eat some fresh veggies and fish.
Do something for your village before you are no more.
Teach the young man ,if you do have knowledge and skills how to be a good successful citizen.
Go and repent if have been drowning yourself in alcohol.
Repent for all the wrong doings in your life.
Give the young, educated itaukei room to take leadership to another level.
How much more money you want to make for those signatures that you putting on paper and you do not understand.
Your village is waiting for you and that’s where your retirement should be.
Less problems for all.
No more days for Io saka.
That’s a perfect advice for our cowardly, don’t-ask-who-gifted-me-Rolex PM SL Rabuka. I cannot for the life of me understand how this pathetic, cowardly itaukei leader was raised!
The country was already in dire straits and this self-entitled rubbish executive go in to make matters worse – pursuing their own interests and enrichment.
Btw being part of the executive (or any leading post in public service for that matter) is NO place to be experimenting and testing the moral boundaries of your legs…
There should NEVER be any second chance for PM Pig and now, his likeminded piglets, if the country is to transcend mediocrity camouflaged in bling blings.
We deserve genuine leaders who we can look up to.
The government is in crisis, and the blame lies squarely at the top. If Prime Minister Rabuka cannot act because his “high chief” is the President, then he is unfit to lead and should step down without delay.
Fiji cannot afford a Prime Minister who hides behind excuses while the nation’s business grinds to a halt.
The truth is simple: Rabuka holds the power, not President Naiqama. The President’s role is purely ceremonial, and any attempt to use chiefly privilege to block government action is an abuse of office.
If Naiqama is shielding individuals like Temo and obstructing justice, he is overstepping his mandate and eroding public trust in the Presidency.
Rabuka must show leadership now—either assert his authority and hold the President to his constitutional limits, or admit he has lost control of his government. Anything less is a
betrayal of the Fijian people.
As the leader of government Rabuka is obligated to tell the citizens what the progress is on COI recommendations, why Christopher Pryde is being unduly harassed, why he has not exercised his position as chair of COC and recommended the removal of CJ Temo and why he can’t see that the bunch at ODPP and FICAC are people who don’t qualify to be in the positions they are in.
These are the very people who have allegations against them and are expected to deal with cases of their friends and acquaintances.
After the military coup of 14 May 1987, one of the phrases widely attributed to Rabuka is that Fiji Indians were “vulagi” (foreigners) and “spineless” — suggesting they would not resist the coup or stand up for their rights. I vividly remember reading these in the newspapers.
On 15 May 2023 Sitiveni Rabuka apologized to the Indo-Fijian community for the suffering and insults they have endured in Fiji’s post-coup era. The killing, raping, looting, burning, burglary, the suffering of the elected parliamentarians after the 1987 coup.
On August 10, 2023, during a celebration he again addressed Indo Fijians as “vulagi” and said not take offence.
So, what has changed. Is he really a changed man??
Now the situation of “tyranny of power”.
Two forces running the government.
Is the president using Chief Justice or CJ using the president? The latter is more obvious.
So then why PM called for COI.
Maybe to clean out Malimali, Temo, Graham Leung, Siromi & all other Temo gang from judiciary and ODPP. He must have been happy when Rabuku was terminated. But Temo has the grip on the string to pull. We remember him threatening a magistrate for decision he did not like.
PM managed to terminate Malimali and Graham. Siromi was fired but he was forced to take him back. Will you be surprised if Malimali is back? I will not be surprised with this compromised judiciary under Temo.
PM genuinely wants Pryde back in Suva as DPP.
He will appoint Justice Gerard Winter as Chief Justice at the first instance if only he has his way.
So now we know who is running this government, not our limp president, not our elected PM.
Why doesn’t Rabuka pull the president in line for breaches of constitution. Is it because of his chiefly respect. Kidding!
Rabuka needs votes from Cakaudrove Province and wider Vanua Levu. Does he really want to change the 2013 constitution.
Kidding! That is his biggest weapon to win the election, now that Bainimarama is out of his way. He is just making plenty noises to keep poor iTaukei happy.
Since coalition government came into power all one can see is cases of
– Drugs
– Murder
– Rape (Shame-me-maa only sees selective cases)
– Burglary & theft
– Deteriorating health services.
– Dirty cities and towns.
– Poverty
– Job losses
There has been mass exodus of vulagis and hardworking, intelligent iTaukeis since December 2022. I think it is just the beginning after 36 years. Just imagine more vacant farms, less tax, skill losses, getting overseas people to do labour work, etc.
So the big question, how can Rabuka stay in power after next election? That is all that matters for him, it seems. Maybe he will soon need to approach Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai for assistance within the provisions of the 2013 constitution. It makes sense, nothing illegal. Does he have a maternal connection to Tailevu Province. Hmm!🤔
So Rabuka did not attend formal installation ceremony of Tui Nayau Ratu Tevita Ului Mara because he was not invited. Tit-for-tat, good, either way. 🤔
I wonder why CP Tudravu is in no rush for telling the Fiji citizen on the investigation of those 350 guns found on the boat from Tonga. Maybe it was for good cause.
Is the provincial struggle for power in the horizon for our beloved Fiji.
How can it be a coup when the government was not displaced from power by force of arms ?
A coup does not have to involve arms. Wikipedia describes it as “typically an illegal and overt attempt by a military organization or other government elites to unseat an incumbent leadership” and guns needn’t be involved at all.
In this instance, the President has defied Section 82 of the Constitution – the supreme law – to usurp the power of the elected Prime Minister. That is a coup.
Lynda Tabuya to appear on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan at 7pm tonight.
When lines opens up for questions, I assume most will be based about her Oscar winning movie.
The country burns while the village idiots play GAME OF THRONES.
Don’t pin your hopes on limp KALOUNIWAI to save this nation. He is one of them.