Four Former Education Ministry Staff File Complaints Against Minister Radrodro

Four former senior staff members of the Ministry of Education have lodged formal complaints against Minister Aseri Radrodro, alleging political interference, abuse of power, and unlawful termination.

According to The Fiji Times, the complaints were filed by former Manager of the Performance and Discipline Unit (PDU) Senitiki Tupou, former Manager of Recruitment and Selection Manueli Caginitabale, former Manager of Appointments Taito Waradi, and former Manager of Establishments Kelera Bale.

In the article, Ms Bale claimed their terminations did not follow due process, citing the lack of 30-day notice and unpaid leave entitlements.

She alleged that the dismissals were linked to their opposition to the reinstatement of a staff member who had breached ministry protocols.

Ms Bale claimed the issue began in November 2023 when Minister Radrodro allegedly directed the appointment of a staff member from Parliament into the Ministry of Education without following the proper recruitment process. She told The Fiji Times that the individual was later placed in charge of the human resources department.

She further alleged that she and two other managers were placed on leave around the same time, but were later reinstated after reapplying for their positions in early 2024, during the period when Minister Radrodro had been temporarily dismissed.

Their reappointments were endorsed by Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka and Permanent Secretary Selina Kuruleca.

However, according to the article, Ms Bale said that on the final day of the recruitment appeal process, Minister Radrodro returned to office and objected to the appointments, writing to the Prime Minister to express his concerns.

She claimed that they received their termination letters on February 24.

The Fiji Times also reported that the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has confirmed receipt of the complaint from the four former HR managers and said the matter is currently under legal assessment.

When asked by The Fiji Times about the complaint, Minister Radrodro said he was unaware of it. In response to claims about staff being dismissed for questioning a reinstatement, he said, “That’s an internal process, and we’ll wait for those to come up and we’ll see.”

The matter remains under review as FICAC continues its assessment.