FIJI’S law society has urged President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu to immediately comply with recommendations from the Judicial Services Commission on the leadership of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.
The country and its governing institutions have been rocked over the last 12 months in ongoing legal disputes around the appointment of Lavi Rokoika as acting commissioner of the anti-corruption organisation.
Rokoika was appointed by Lalabalavu on the advice of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
The appointment bypassed the legally mandated recommendation process involving the JSC, and the appointment was publicly criticised as a violation of the FICAC Act.
Rokoika’s appointment followed the controversial dismissal of former Commissioner Barbara Malimali, which the High Court later ruled unlawful.
Serious accusations of nepotism and conflicts of interest threaten the integrity of FICAC’s leadership and operations, as allegations of nepotism against Rokoika involve hiring her niece, Ulamila Vakalalabure, as a junior state counsel.
Ulamila is linked to influential family connections, being the daughter of Gilbert Vakalalabure, CEO of Fiji Sports Council, and Rokoika’s brother-in-law.
While Gilbert was previously cleared of certain allegations of fund abuse by the FICAC, new scrutiny has arisen regarding alleged nepotism. The Fiji Sports Council board has now launched an independent probe into allegations of fund misuse and conflict of interest involving Gilbert.
Rokoika’s private legal practice conflicts have created ethical questions about impartiality.
Before her appointment, she was a partner at the Rokoika and Vakalalabure law firm, defending individuals prosecuted by FICAC.
This dual role was reported as highly improper by critics, undermining trust in FICAC’s independence, and the situation poses a direct conflict with FICAC’s anti-corruption mission and affects public perception.
Fiji Law Society
The Fiji Law Society expressed concern over media reports that the president may be delaying action on the JSC advice concerning Rokoika. A statement by the society emphasised that the president must act solely on the JSC’s legally binding recommendations without independent discretion or bargaining.
“Accordingly, the office of President is not empowered to select alternatives, withhold action, or engage in bargaining with institutions that are constitutionally and statutorily required to provide legally binding recommendations and advice,” the statement detailed.
This followed revelations that Lalabalavu had called for legal advice on the recommendations made by the JSC.
The Constitution and the FICAC Act mandate that the JSC’s recommendations on appointment, suspension, or dismissal are binding and must be acted upon by the president after consulting the Attorney General.
“Any deviation from this clear legal process undermines confidence in the integrity of our institutions and our democracy,’’ the society statement said.
“The JSC’s clear recommendation to immediately remove Ms Rokoika, on the grounds that her appointment was unlawful, we respectfully but firmly urge His Excellency the President to implement the JSC’s recommendations without delay.”
“The rule of law is the cornerstone of our society, and it must be protected rigorously against any encroachments, intentional or otherwise.”
The society will continue to monitor developments closely and advocate for adherence to constitutional norms in the interest of all Fijians.
JSC
The JSC’s Intervention and timeline signal an imminent resolution on leadership, with a recommendation to remove or suspend Rokoika.
The JSC plans to reconvene on March 25, 2026, aiming for a final decision by March 31, 2026, and this timeline sets a clear expectation for organisational stability decisions within the next two months.
The Prime Minister has publicly supported an investigation into allegations of nepotism, increasing political pressure.