Usamate Calls Out Government Over FICAC Commissioner Issue

Opposition MP Hon. Jone Usamate has accused the government of double standards in handling complaints against top officials.

He said that in 2023, the government acted quickly to remove key figures like the Chief Justice and others based on complaints.

However, now that there is a complaint against the FICAC Commissioner and a request from the Commission of Inquiry (COI) to stand her down, the government is claiming it has no power to act.

Usamate pointed out that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), which appoints the FICAC Commissioner, also has the authority to handle disciplinary matters.

He argued that if the JSC had the power to act against judicial officers before, it should do the same now.

He also noted that while the FICAC Act does not clearly outline the disciplinary process for the Commissioner, legal precedent shows that the JSC should take responsibility.

If needed, the case could be referred to the Public Service Disciplinary Tribunal (PSDT) for a fair and transparent process.

"The people of Fiji deserve a government that treats everyone equally under the law," he said.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.