Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka confirms the removal from cabinet of Lynda Tabuya was his call however the removal from the People’s Alliance is the party’s call.
Rabuka revealed this to fijivillage News after we were informed that there are moves afoot to expel Tabuya from the party which would also mean that she would lose her parliamentary seat.
The Fijian Constitution states that the seat of a Member of Parliament becomes vacant if the member is expelled from the political party for which he or she was a candidate at the time he or she was elected to Parliament and the expulsion was in accordance with the rules of the political party relating to party discipline; and the expulsion did not relate to any action taken by the member in his or her capacity as a member of a committee of Parliament.
The seat of the Member of Parliament becomes vacant only upon receipt by the Speaker of a written notification signed by the leader and the secretary of the political party notifying the Speaker that the member has been expelled from the political party.
When asked by fijivillage News, Rabuka says the Party National Legal and Disciplinary Sub Committee has 21 days to respond to a report he received from a Party Member on Christmas Day.
He confirms he received an email which prompted him to ask Lynda Tabuya for an explanation regarding her nude video online.
He says Tabuya's response was an admission of sorts.
Rabuka says he also received a report from a Party Member, which he forwarded to the General Secretary and Acting Chair of the party's National Legal and Disciplinary Sub Committee to begin investigation.
Rabuka says on his reading Tabuya’s response to him, he decided he had enough information to inform her of his decision to terminate her appointment as Minister, which he has informed the President of.
Tabuya has not answered questions from fijivillage News since Tuesday.
We had asked Tabuya’s ministerial office on what she will do after the circulation of a nude video of her.
Tabuya was on leave however her public relations team was not coming back with a response since 3pm on that day.
They were asking to see the video however we had said that we will not circulate it.
When we eventually reached Tabuya, she said that we had printed that we had already spoken to her.
We have made it clear to Tabuya that this is incorrect as fijivillage News did not say that we had spoken to Tabuya.
Tabuya is saying she has no desire to speak to fijivillage.
We had asked her what she had to say as the nude video would create a major negative effect based on the public office she held of Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection.
In light of the recent dismissal of Lynda Tabuya as Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu has commended the Prime Minister for taking decisive action.
However, Seruiratu says this situation raises serious concerns about alleged potential criminality and a possible cover-up involving both the former Minister and FICAC.
He says he will bring this matter to parliament to see that it gets the seriousness that it deserves, as the Fijian people deserve no less than honest, transparent, and accountable leadership.
Seruiratu says Tabuya earlier declared that she has been divorced from Robert Semaan since 2016 - a declaration that exempted her from declaring his assets.
He says recent admissions suggest that they are still allegedly married.
Seruiratu says it raises serious questions around issues of honesty, transparency, and integrity - three foundational qualities expected of a public servant.
He says making matters worse, there has been in circulation a private video involving Tabuya.
Seruiratu says while Tabuya has stated that the video is a private matter between her and her husband, this contradicts her earlier claims of being divorced.
The Opposition Leader says these contradictions further dent Tabuya’s credibility, the credibility of her leadership, and the trust of the public.
Seruiratu says being the Co-Chair of the National Taskforce to Address Pornography in Fiji, the position calls for a very specific and strict code of conduct on matters of this nature; hence, Tabuya is highly compromised.
He says she not only blemishes her reputation but also brings into disrepute the work of the taskforce she is co-leading to fight pornography and protect children from online exploitation.
He says the FICAC matter should be fully investigated.
Seruiratu says Tabuya's actions have brought disrepute to her now former office and the public’s confidence in the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection.
He says public officials should set a high standard for integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Seruiratu says for this reason, he calls for a transparent investigation into these matters as a means of restoring public trust.
We have sent questions to the FICAC Commissioner to respond to the alleged claims of Tabuya still being married but her file closed by FICAC.
We have also asked is there proof of Tabuya being divorced, how is FICAC dealing with the matter if Tabuya is back with her husband, and how does FICAC deal with defacto relationships that can be also seen as a legal relationship.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda has been dismissed as Minister by Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka.
Rabuka says in light of the recent events concerning the conduct of Lynda Tabuya, and in consideration of the Oath she has taken as a Minister; and standards expected of any Minister, he has decided to exercise the power conferred upon him by Section 92(3)(b) of the Constitution, to dismiss Tabuya as a Minister, with immediate effect.
Tabuya will remain as a Member of Parliament.
Rabuka says this is not a decision he has taken lightly, but one that is necessary in the best interest of the people that they serve.
Tabuya's nude video had gone viral in the last few days, with many people raising questions on the negative effects from it as she is the Minister for Women and Children, and holds a public office funded by the taxpayers of this country.
The matter was of great public interest.
Rabuka has also taken the decision that Sashi Kiran be appointed as the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, effective from the date of her swearing – in as a substantive Minister, by the President.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya says she is aware of a private video that has been circulated on various platforms involving her, stating that this matter is a serious invasion of privacy, and strongly condemns the deliberate dissemination of such material, whether genuine or fabricated.
She says as a public servant, her focus remains steadfast on her role and responsibilities, particularly in advocating for the rights and well-being of women, children, and vulnerable groups in our society.
The Minister says this incident serves as a painful reminder of the challenges women face, including harassment and cyber exploitation, and reinforces the urgent need for stronger policies and education around digital ethics and online behavior.
She urges the public and media to respect the principles of dignity, privacy, and the rule of law.
Tabuya says she has referred this matter to the appropriate authorities and trusts that a thorough investigation will be conducted to identify and hold accountable those responsible for this act.
She reiterates that she will not be distracted from her commitment to serve the people of Fiji with integrity and dedication.
The Minister says this is a moment to reflect on the importance of protecting individuals from digital harm and promoting a culture of respect and accountability in both public and private spaces.
She says during Christmas, we remember that Jesus faced accusations, mockery, and betrayal, yet he responded with grace, courage, and compassion.
Tabuya says it is in this spirit that she rises above this situation, focusing not on the negativity but on her duty to serve the women, children, and families of Fiji.
She urges everyone to approach this season of goodwill with a commitment to uplift one another, rather than tear each other down saying let us use this time to teach our children the value of kindness and to work collectively to create a society that respects dignity and truth.
Tabuya says to those behind this attempt to discredit her, she offers her forgiveness, as Jesus taught us, however, she also trusts that the law will address such acts of character assassination appropriately, as we must all be accountable for our actions.
She appreciates the support and understanding of her family, colleagues, and the wider community during this time, encouraging anyone affected by similar issues to seek help and support through the appropriate channels wishing Merry Christmas and a Happy Safer 2025.
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka says he has written to Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya to provide an explanation after the circulation of a new explicit video of Tabuya.
fijivillage News has raised the issue with Tabuya’s ministerial office on what she will do after the circulation of a nude video of her.
Tabuya is on leave however her public relations team is not coming back with a response since 3pm today.
They are asking to see the video however we have said that we will not circulate it.
When we eventually reached Tabuya, she said that we had printed that we had already spoken to her.
We have made it clear to Tabuya that this is incorrect as fijivillage News did not say that we had spoken to Tabuya.
Tabuya is saying she has no desire to speak to fijivillage.
We have also asked Prime Minister Rabuka on what he will be doing in relation to this serious matter.
We have asked Rabuka what he will do as the Head of Government as Tabuya holds the important position of Minister for Women and Children, and the negative effects this video can have.
We have also asked Tabuya what she will do based on the position she holds.
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