SUVA (Pacnews) — Fiji’s military regime has sent on leave the Pacific island nations’ Chief Justice Daniel Fatiaki and Chief Magistrate Naomi Matanitobua to allow an investigation into judicial corruption.
Commodore Frank Bainimarama in his first press conference this year told reporters that the action taken by the military follows involvement of certain judiciary officials in questionable activities since the events of 2000.
“The subsequent politicization of the judiciary, questionable appointments to the bench in particular the magistracy and numerous complaints that we have received corruption, irregularities and gross inefficiency in the judicial system The chief justice has been sent on leave on full pay until further notice,” Bainimarama said.
“We recognize his wisdom in this respect and the chief magistrate has been sent on leave on full pay until further notice. Their absence from office is necessary to facilitate a full, proper and unrestricted inquiry into the judiciary and the judicial system as a whole,” he added.
Bainimarama said the military believes that a truly independent, clean, non-corrupt and efficient judicial system is essential and integral to the maintenance of the rule of law to ensure justice and to give confidence to the citizens of Fiji.
Justice John Connors and Anthony Gates have been tasked to handle file management in the absence of the chief justice and Magistrate Ajmal Khan to act as acting chief magistrate.