John Rabuku The Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Responds to Calls for Resignation Following Supreme Court Ruling Over Tenure Legitimacy
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
4 minutes read. Updated 5:00PM GMT Fri, 5 July, 2024
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku has strongly responded to calls for his resignation from Attorney-General Graham Leung and Fiji Law Society President Wylie Clarke. Rabuku has reaffirmed his commitment to stepping down, in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directive last week that questioned the legitimacy of his tenure. He criticized the public nature of the demands made by Leung and Clarke.
“Both Mr. Leung and Mr. Clarke are not the Judicial Service Commission (JSC),” Rabuku stated emphatically. “Their calling for my resignation publicly is an attempt to publicly usurp the JSC’s role in this saga.”
Rabuku stressed that the JSC is fully aware of its responsibilities and has already outlined a course of action following two meetings this week. He emphasized that a structured process is essential to ensure that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) continues to operate efficiently during the transition period. This careful approach aims to avoid any disruption to the office’s functioning, which Rabuku has been leading effectively during his tenure.
While Rabuku expressed his readiness to comply with the Supreme Court’s opinion, he pointed out that the ruling does not explicitly order him to vacate his office. “It was important for me to wait for the JSC to execute the proper processes which have now been put in place, instead of arbitrarily resigning and running the risk of creating unnecessary chaos in a prosecution process,” he explained.
Rabuku also underscored the necessity for senior legal professionals to fully comprehend the Supreme Court’s opinion. He highlighted the importance of understanding one’s role within the justice system, noting that public commentary on critical legal issues should be grounded in a thorough understanding of the law and a sense of responsibility.
This episode underscores the complexities involved in the administration of justice in Fiji. The interplay between different legal authorities and the need for orderly processes is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the legal system. Rabuku’s insistence on following due process highlights the importance of stability and continuity in legal institutions.
For further details on Fiji’s legal proceedings and governance, refer to the Fiji Law Society and the Judicial Service Commission.
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