Accountability and Transparency Commission needs to be established - Reverend Akuila Yabaki

Accountability and Transparency Commission needs to be established - Reverend Akuila Yabaki

By Vijay Narayan , Rashika Kumar
Monday 12/10/2020
Former CEO of Citizens Constitution Forum, Reverend Akuila Yabaki and Virisila Buadromo.

Former CEO of Citizens Constitution Forum, Reverend Akuila Yabaki says based on the 2013 Constitution, there is a need to have an Accountability and Transparency Commission that will hold Permanent Secretaries and public office holders answerable for their actions.

He made these comments during a panel discussion on ‘State of Democracy’ organized by the NGO Coalition for Human Rights to take stock of the country’s achievements, challenges and discuss on ways forward for Fiji to mark 50 years of Independence.

Reverend Yabaki says the Commission will be independent and will not be controlled or influenced by the government.

He has also highlighted that changing the Constitution is a very difficult process where under Section 160, changes will only be possible by a bill that is discussed three times in Parliament and a referendum.

The bill must be voted for twice by at least three-quarters of the parliament and there should be a period of 30 days between the two votes.

A referendum would then have to be conducted. If the outcome of the referendum is that three-quarters of the total number of the registered voters have voted in favour of the proposed amendment, then the President must assent to the bill.

According to the Constitution, the Accountability and Transparency Commission shall consist of a chairperson and 2 other members appointed by the President, on the advice of the Judicial Services Commission following consultation with the Attorney General.

The chairperson of the Commission must be a person who is, or is qualified to be appointed as a Judge.

A written law shall provide the Commission with the jurisdiction, authority and powers to receive and investigate complaints against Permanent Secretaries and all persons holding a public office.

We have sent questions to Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

He is yet to respond.

FEATURE NEWS
Tobacco use claims more than 1,200 Fijian lives every year – Dr Tudravu
Every year, tobacco use claims more than 1,200 Fijian lives, with 71 percent of these deaths occurring in individuals under the age of 70 — represen...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Paradise Beverages renews partnership with Leadership Fiji, selects brewer for 2025 cohort
Paradise Beverages has renewed their partnership with Leadership Fiji as Jiujiuwa Uluiqalau, Supervisor Brewing, will represent the company in the ...
41 minutes ago

NFA signs agreement with M-PAiSA for easy payment of NFA services
People will no longer have to pay cash for the National Fire Authority services after signing an agreement with Vodafone Fiji to adopt their M-PAiSA ...
45 minutes ago

Army Commander attend senior military leaders retreat in Auckland
Army Commander, Major General Jone Kalouniwai and Force Sergeant Major Warrant Officer 1 Joeli Rabuli successfully concluded the 2025 Tōtara ...
2 hours ago

Special Constable allegedly found with 40kg of marijuana to take plea on 16th April
Special Police Constable, William McKay who was allegedly found in possession of 40.07 kilograms of marijuana at his Raiwaqa home, has had his case ...
2 hours ago

Vakasenuqanuqa for President in Taveuni today
A traditional celebration or Vakasenuqanuqa for President Na Gone Turaga Bale Na Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu is underway in Somosomo Village, ...
3 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Reverend Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Watch the General Secretary of Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, Reverend Simione Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
19 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and William Parkinson
Chairman of Communications Fiji Limited, parent company of FM96, LegendFM, VitiFM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam, fijivillage and PNGFM, William Parkinson ...
20 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and Adi Tulia Nacola
The candid interview focuses on Nacola, coming from a chiefly family and being a daughter of a Minister who was ousted in the 1987 military coup, her ...
20 days ago

TOP