The Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has authorised the release of the following statement concerning the closure of a complaint lodged by four (4) former Human Resources Managers of the Ministry of Education.
The complaint, submitted by the former Managers, alleged that the Honourable Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, interfered with disciplinary cases, unlawful terminations, abuse of power, and abuse of office. Specifically, it was alleged that the Honourable Minister had misused his position to terminate their employment based on personal grievances or to replace them with individuals personally known to him.
Further allegations included claims that the Honourable Minister appointed individuals without following proper procedures, transferred and terminated staff without justifiable reasons
Following a thorough legal assessment of the complaint and the accompanying facts, FICAC confirms that it does not have jurisdiction to investigate matters related to employment decisions, such as terminations and recruitments within the Ministry of Education.
FICAC reiterates that such complaints of unlawful termination would be best left to the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations (MEPIR) or the Courts.
FICAC reaffirms its commitment to conducting its operations independently and impartially, upholding the rule of law without fear or favour.