Rabuka Faces Defining Test as Judiciary Crisis Deepens: Kumar

Member of Parliament, Premila Kumar has issued a strong statement calling on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to take decisive action in the wake of the recently leaked Commission of Inquiry (COI) report, which raises serious concerns about key players in Fiji’s justice system.

Kumar said the report, now in the public domain, exposes troubling allegations involving the Chief Justice, the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), and senior figures in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)—individuals who wield significant power over the country’s legal processes.

“The public has not forgotten the troubling saga involving Acting DPP John Rabuku,” she said. “He was only removed after a tribunal was convened, and yet his handpicked deputy, Nancy Tikoisuva, was promoted to become his superior. She later confirmed Rabuku’s return as Deputy DPP. This revolving-door arrangement reeks of political convenience and cronyism.”

Kumar warned that the credibility of the DPP’s office had suffered lasting damage and raised concern that the same individuals named in the COI report are now involved in reviewing police findings—a situation she described as a clear conflict of interest.

“How can the public expect accountability when those under investigation are effectively overseeing the outcome?” she questioned.

The MP rejected claims that the Prime Minister lacks authority in the matter, citing Section 111(4) of the Constitution, which she argues gives him the power to act.

“This is not the time for constitutional excuses,” Kumar said. “The tired claim that ‘he has no power’ over judicial officers simply does not hold.”

She also recalled past scandals under Rabuka’s leadership during his SVT Government, including the $220 million collapse of the National Bank of Fiji and the Savusavu land scam, noting that no charges were laid and no accountability was delivered.

“But this time, it’s more than just financial mismanagement. The integrity of the judiciary—the very institution meant to uphold the rule of law—is now in doubt,” Kumar said. “When the justice system is compromised, so is every other pillar of our democracy.”

Kumar said the Prime Minister’s record on accountability is “weak” and warned that his response to this crisis would determine both his legacy and the future of justice in Fiji.

“Will he act with courage and transparency? Or will this become yet another chapter of elite protection, cover-ups, and excuses?” she asked. “Fijians are watching closely. The clock is ticking. And history will remember what Prime Minister Rabuka chose to do—or failed to do—at this critical moment.”