Rabuka defends Saukuru reinstatement

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has publicly defended the decision to reinstate Minister of Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru, who had been suspended following allegations of abuse of office related to the Fiji Sports Council. Rabuka asserted that the investigation into the matter has been fully concluded, and any outstanding issues can be resolved through administrative channels.

Speaking on the reinstatement, the Prime Minister confirmed that the investigation committee had submitted its findings. He indicated that if any recovery of funds is deemed necessary, it can be managed via administrative processes. Rabuka also addressed Saukuru's involvement with the Under-23 team, stating the minister traveled after being requested to do so by officials, believing he was acting in the best interest of the team.

"He went, not of his own volition, he was asked to go and he went thinking that it was the right thing to do, go with the Under-23 team, it was his responsibility to look after the team," Rabuka explained. The Prime Minister further noted that Saukuru had already incurred significant financial losses during his suspension, suggesting these losses were greater than the amount currently under scrutiny.

With the investigation concluded, Rabuka indicated that the government would now allow the remaining administrative procedures to proceed to their natural conclusion. The reinstatement suggests a belief within the government that the minister acted appropriately or that any transgressions were minor and manageable through internal processes.

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He went, not of his own volition, he was asked to go and he went thinking that it was the right thing to do, go with the Under-23 team, it was his responsibility to look after the team.