Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the reshuffle is intended to enhance governance, improve policy coordination, and further improve service delivery to the people of Fiji.
Siromi Turaga continues to be the Attorney General of Fiji despite the official announcement by the Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka that Filimoni Vosarogo was to become the Attorney General from yesterday.
fijivillage News has received confirmation that Turaga remains in the Attorney General’s Office today while Vosarogo is continuing as the Minister for Lands.
We have also been informed that legal advice has been sought from various sources regarding Vosarogo’s appointment as the Attorney General.
On Monday night, Rabuka had told fijivillage News that he will go ahead with the reallocation of portfolios in the Coalition Cabinet but now that we have the Fiji Law Society’s official views, he will also wait for them to take the matter to court as they have stated in their letter of concern.
He made this clear when asked on his stand on appointing Vosarogo as the new Attorney General from Tuesday after the call by the Fiji Law Society to withdraw Vosarogo's AG appointment.
Rabuka has also told us that he had received an assurance from Vosarogo before the first Cabinet lineup was made in December last year, so he made that decision last week.
The Fiji Law Society has written to Prime Minister Rabuka expressing its concern regarding the appointment.
Society President, Wylie Clarke says they have informed the Prime Minister that it cannot support, and must record its strong objection to Vosarogo’s appointment.
The Society advised the Prime Minister that Vosarogo is disqualified from holding the office of Attorney General under section 96(2)(b) of the 2013 Constitution.
Section 96 of the constitution states that the Minister appointed as the Attorney General is the chief legal adviser to the Government.
It further says a person is not qualified to be appointed as the Attorney General unless he or she— (a) is admitted as a legal practitioner in Fiji and has had not less than 15 years post-admission practice as a legal practitioner whether in Fiji or abroad; and (b) has not been found guilty of any disciplinary proceeding involving legal practitioners whether in Fiji or abroad, including any proceeding by the Independent Legal Services Commission or any proceeding under the law governing legal practitioners, barristers and solicitors prior to the establishment of the Independent Legal Services Commission.
SODELPA General Secretary, Viliame Takayawa says SODELPA as a coalition partner was in the dark in relation to the recent cabinet reshuffle where SODELPA Minister Aseri Radrodro’s portfolio was changed from Education to iTaukei Affairs and SODELPA Minister Ifereimi Vasu’s portfolio was changed from iTaukei Affairs to Education.
In an interview with fijivillage News, Takayawa says as coalition partners, they believe in consultation in such major decisions although the Prime Minister has the prerogative to make cabinet reshuffles.
He says consultation was the main reason why they chose the People’s Alliance over the FijiFirst Party.
Takayawa says he is quite sure that if they knew this would happen, it may have been a different story.
He stresses there was no consultation on the reshuffle, they received it after hours and he does not know if this was deliberate.
However Takayawa stresses that in the sense of the coalition, SODELPA has vowed to maintain the coalition as far as possible.
The SODELPA General Secretary also says they understand Rabuka has also been part of a coup culture system, but they want consultation as coalition partners, and there is a need to talk more.
Takayawa says they have written about 5 letters to the Prime Minister but they have not received any official responses.He says the most recent letter is a few days ago on the need to have consultation on the cabinet reshuffle.
We have sent questions to the Prime Minister.
Stay with us for developments later today.
One of the partners in the coalition government, SODELPA says the government needs to follow the constitution when making appointments like the new appointment of the Attorney General.
SODELPA General Secretary, Viliame Takayawa says the constitution is clear and Filimoni Vosarogo has to take the right step when the Prime Minister decided to appoint him as the AG.
Takayawa says they do not support any breach to the constitution which is the supreme law of the land.
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka has said to fijivillage News that he will go ahead with the reallocation of portfolios in the Coalition Cabinet but now that we have the Fiji Law Society’s official views, he will also wait for them to take the matter to court as they have stated in their letter of concern.
Rabuka has made this clear when asked on his stand on appointing Vosarogo as the new Attorney General from today after the call by the Fiji Law Society to withdraw Vosarogo's AG appointment.
Rabuka has also told us that he had received an assurance from Vosarogo before the first Cabinet lineup was made in December last year, so he made that decision last week.
The Fiji Law Society advised the Prime Minister that Vosarogo is disqualified from holding the office of Attorney General under section 96(2)(b) of the 2013 Constitution.
Vosarogo has referred all questions to the Prime Minister.
Vosarogo had earlier told fijivillage News that if anyone doesn't agree or feels that the Prime Minister's appointment of the Attorney General breaches the Constitution, they are free and entitled, to seek the courts determination on the reassignment as everyone is entitled to do in a free and democratic society.
Vosarogo says the Prime Minister has taken legal advice on the application of Section 96 of the Constitution.
The newly appointed Attorney General also says the ILSC is not a guilt finding Commission.
He says the Commission has powers to make determination on application by the Chief Registrar.
Vosarogo says it makes orders, not findings of guilt.
He stresses that is the domain of the criminal courts, not for a tribunal like the ILSC.
Vosarogo adds section 96 of the constitution is a product of poor and moot legislative drafting because it seeks to provide a disqualification provision that does not correlate with the substantive law for legal practitioners.
Section 96 of the constitution states that the Minister appointed as the Attorney General is the chief legal adviser to the Government.
It further says a person is not qualified to be appointed as the Attorney General unless he or she— (a) is admitted as a legal practitioner in Fiji and has had not less than 15 years post-admission practice as a legal practitioner whether in Fiji or abroad; and (b) has not been found guilty of any disciplinary proceeding involving legal practitioners whether in Fiji or abroad, including any proceeding by the Independent Legal Services Commission or any proceeding under the law governing legal practitioners, barristers and solicitors prior to the establishment of the Independent Legal Services Commission.
I will go ahead with the reallocation of portfolios in the Coalition Cabinet but now that we have the Fiji Law Society’s official views, I will also wait for them to take the matter to court as they have stated in their letter of concern.
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka has made this clear to fijivillage News when asked on his stand on appointing Filimoni Vosarogo as the new Attorney General from today after the call by the Fiji Law Society to withdraw Vosarogo's AG appointment.
Rabuka has also told us that he had received an assurance from Vosarogo before the first Cabinet lineup was made in December last year, so he made that decision last week.
The Fiji Law Society has written to Prime Minister Rabuka expressing its concern regarding the appointment.
Society President, Wylie Clarke says they have informed the Prime Minister that it cannot support, and must record its strong objection to Vosarogo’s appointment.
The Society advised the Prime Minister that Vosarogo is disqualified from holding the office of Attorney General under section 96(2)(b) of the 2013 Constitution.
Clarke says the appointment cannot be lawfully made.
The Society noted that it is a matter of public record that Vosarogo, as a legal practitioner, pleaded guilty in a number of disciplinary proceedings before the Independent Legal Services Commission.
Clarke says compliance with the laws of Fiji is not a matter of choice.
He says a fundamental principle of the rule of law is that the law applies equally to everyone including the Government of the day.
The Law Society President also says the Society expressed concern about comments attributed to Vosarogo in the media in which he is reported saying that anyone who disagrees with his appointment can take the matter to court.
Clarke says the comments are unedifying but also unnecessary given that his disqualification from holding the office of Attorney General is obvious.
The Society states that it will pursue this matter in court if forced to do so, but hopes that it will not be necessary.
Vosarogo has referred all questions to the Prime Minister.
He will take up the AG appointment from today.
Vosarogo had earlier told fijivillage News that if anyone doesn't agree or feels that the Prime Minister's appointment of the Attorney General breaches the Constitution, they are free and entitled, to seek courts determination on the reassignment as everyone is entitled to do in a free and democratic society.
The issue raised is based on the formal orders of the Independent Legal Services Commission in the case filed to the ILSC by the Chief Registrar against Filimoni Vosarogo in 2016. In that order, the then Independent Legal Services Commissioner, Doctor Thomas Hickie said the four counts of professional misconduct have been proven against Vosarogo by his pleas of guilty formally entered on his behalf by his counsel on 7th June 2017. When approached by fijivillage News, Vosarogo stated that he has accepted the ministerial reassignment assigned to him by Prime Minister Rabuka and he will assume the office of the Attorney General as assigned in the Prime Minister's letter dated 13th October 2023.
Vosarogo says the Prime Minister has taken legal advice on the application of Section 96 of the Constitution.
The newly appointed Attorney General also says the ILSC is not a guilt finding Commission.
He says the Commission has powers to make determination on application by the Chief Registrar.
Vosarogo says it makes orders, not findings of guilt.
He stresses that is the domain of the criminal courts, not for a tribunal like the ILSC.
Vosarogo adds section 96 of the constitution is a product of poor and moot legislative drafting because it seeks to provide a disqualification provision that does not correlate with the substantive law for legal practitioners.
He says the ministerial reassignment is valid and will come into force today.
Vosarogo says for now, the Prime Minister has acted according to his powers under the constitution to make ministerial appointment and/ reassignment and that is final.
He says it is significantly important on his part to honour the appointment and trust placed in him by the Prime Minister and that is what he intends to do from today.
Section 96 of the constitution states that the Minister appointed as the Attorney General is the chief legal adviser to the Government.
It further says a person is not qualified to be appointed as the Attorney General unless he or she— (a) is admitted as a legal practitioner in Fiji and has had not less than 15 years post-admission practice as a legal practitioner whether in Fiji or abroad; and (b) has not been found guilty of any disciplinary proceeding involving legal practitioners whether in Fiji or abroad, including any proceeding by the Independent Legal Services Commission or any proceeding under the law governing legal practitioners, barristers and solicitors prior to the establishment of the Independent Legal Services Commission.
Vosarogo is the new Attorney General and Minister for Justice while Attorney General, Siromi Turaga is reassigned to the ministerial portfolio of Lands and Mineral Resources.
Prime Minister Rabuka has also announced that Ifereimi Vasu is reassigned to the ministerial portfolio of Education and Aseri Radrodro is reassigned to the ministerial portfolio of Minister for iTaukei Affairs.
Rabuka says the reshuffle is intended to enhance governance, improve policy coordination, and further improve service delivery to the people of Fiji,
The coalition government says these strategic changes reflect the government's dedication to fulfilling its responsibilities to the people of Fiji and ensuring that the nation continues on the path to progress and development.
The Fiji Law Society has written to Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka expressing its concern regarding the reported appointment of Filimoni Vosarogo as Attorney General of Fiji, and requesting the Fiji Government to withdraw Vosarogo’s announced appointment as Attorney General.
Society President, Wylie Clarke says they have informed the Prime Minister that it cannot support, and must record its strong objection to Vosarogo’s appointment.
The Society advised the Prime Minister that Vosarogo is disqualified from holding the office of Attorney General under section 96(2)(b) of the 2013 Constitution.
Clarke says the appointment cannot be lawfully made.
The Society noted that it is a matter of public record that Vosarogo, as a legal practitioner, pleaded guilty in a number of disciplinary proceedings before the Independent Legal Services Commission.
Clarke says compliance with the laws of Fiji is not a matter of choice.
He says a fundamental principle of the rule of law is that the law applies equally to everyone including the Government of the day.
The Law Society President also says the Society expressed concern about comments attributed to Vosarogo in the media in which he is reported saying that anyone who disagrees with his appointment can take the matter to court.
Clarke says the comments are unedifying but also unnecessary given that his disqualification from holding the office of Attorney General is obvious.
The Society states that it will pursue this matter in court if forced to do so, but hopes that it will not be necessary.
Rabuka is yet to respond to questions sent by fijivillage News yesterday.
If anyone doesn't agree or feels that the Prime Minister's appointment of the Attorney General breaches the Constitution, they are free and entitled, to seek courts determination on the reassignment as everyone is entitled to do in a free and democratic society.
That's the comments of newly appointed Attorney General, Filimoni Vosarogo after questions being raised in different platforms and circles on Vosarogo's qualification to be the Attorney General based on the requirements under the 2013 Constitution.
The issue raised is based on the formal orders of the Independent Legal Services Commission in the case filled to the ILSC by the Chief Registrar against Filimoni Vosarogo in 2016. In that order, the then Independent Legal Services Commissioner, Doctor Thomas Hickie said the four counts of professional misconduct have been proven against Vosarogo by his pleas of guilty formally entered on his behalf by his counsel on 7th June 2017.
When approached by fijivillage News today, Vosarogo stated that he has accepted the ministerial reassignment assigned to him by Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka and he will assume the office of the Attorney General as assigned in the Prime Minister's letter dated 13th October 2023.
Vosarogo says the Prime Minister has taken legal advice on the application of Section 96 of the Constitution.
The newly appointed Attorney General also says the ILSC is not a guilt finding Commission.
He says the Commission has powers to make determination on application by the Chief Registrar.
Vosarogo says it makes orders, not findings of guilt.
He stresses that is the domain of the criminal courts, not for a tribunal like the ILSC.
Vosarogo adds section 96 of the constitution is a product of poor and moot legislative drafting because it seeks to provide a disqualification provision that does not correlate with the substantive law for legal practitioners.
He says the ministerial reassignment is valid and will come into force on Tuesday 17th October 2023.
Vosarogo says for now, the Prime Minister has acted according to his powers under the constitution to make ministerial appointment and/ reassignment and that is final.
He says it is significantly important on his part to honour the appointment and trust placed in him by the Prime Minister and that is what he intends to do from Tuesday.
Section 96 of the constitution states that the Minister appointed as the Attorney General is the chief legal adviser to the Government.
It further says a person is not qualified to be appointed as the Attorney General unless he or she— (a) is admitted as a legal practitioner in Fiji and has had not less than 15 years post-admission practice as a legal practitioner whether in Fiji or abroad; and (b) has not been found guilty of any disciplinary proceeding involving legal practitioners whether in Fiji or abroad, including any proceeding by the Independent Legal Services Commission or any proceeding under the law governing legal practitioners, barristers and solicitors prior to the establishment of the Independent Legal Services Commission.
Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo is the new Attorney General and Minister for Justice while Attorney General, Siromi Turaga is reassigned to the ministerial portfolio of Lands and Mineral Resources.
Prime Minister Rabuka has also announced that Ifereimi Vasu is reassigned to the ministerial portfolio of Education and Aseri Radrodro is reassigned to the ministerial portfolio of Minister for iTaukei Affairs.
Rabuka says the reshuffle is intended to enhance governance, improve policy coordination, and further improve service delivery to the people of Fiji,
The coalition government says these strategic changes reflect the government's dedication to fulfilling its responsibilities to the people of Fiji and ensuring that the nation continues on the path to progress and development.
Rabuka is yet to make further comments.
Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo is the new Attorney General and Minister for Justice while Attorney General, Siromi Turaga is reassigned to the ministerial portfolio of Lands and Mineral Resources.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has also announced that Ifereimi Vasu is reassigned to the ministerial portfolio of Education and Aseri Radrodro is reassigned to the ministerial portfolio of Minister for iTaukei Affairs.
Rabuka says the reshuffle is intended to enhance governance, improve policy coordination, and further improve service delivery to the people of Fiji,
The ministerial reassignments will become effective Tuesday 17th October 2023.
The coalition government says these strategic changes reflect the government's dedication to fulfilling its responsibilities to the people of Fiji and ensuring that the nation continues on the path to progress and development.
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