Controversy Surrounds Appointment of Acting Chief Justice Temo as Fiji’s Chief Justice

The impending confirmation of Acting Chief Justice (ACJ) Temo as Fiji’s Chief Justice has sparked significant backlash from legal professionals and civil society.

Women lawyers and the Fiji Law Society have raised serious concerns about ACJ Temo’s suitability for the role, citing allegations of discrimination against women and past judicial misconduct.

During the December 2023 Fiji Law Society Convention, ACJ Temo reportedly made disparaging remarks about women lawyers, accusing them of weakening the legal profession and using non-legal methods to win cases.

These comments outraged women in the legal fraternity, prompting them to document their grievances and oppose his appointment.

Additionally, his past actions, including allegations of tampering with court records in The State v Bokini, further call his integrity into question.

The controversy has been further fueled by claims of nepotism against Fiji’s President, Ratu Naiqama.

Critics allege that the President favored Temo’s appointment over the government’s initial nominee due to familial ties, undermining democratic processes and the credibility of the judiciary.

The Fiji Law Society and other stakeholders argue that these issues highlight systemic problems within Fiji’s governance and judiciary, urging the government to prioritize transparency and accountability.

As the confirmation looms, this decision could have far-reaching implications for the judiciary’s independence and public trust in legal institutions.