President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has terminated the contract of Fiji’s Corrections chief, Dr Jalesi Nakarawa.
The Constitutional Offices Commission received complaints regarding the Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service, Dr Jalesi Nakarawa, in early 2025.
Allegations included biased recruitment of family members (nepotism), abuse of office, and improper handling of funds.
In April 2025, the Constitutional Offices Commission convened a Tribunal to investigate the complaints against Dr Nakarawa, advise the President on their findings, and recommend whether Dr Nakarawa should remain in his role as Commissioner.
The Tribunal, comprised of three High Court Judges, conducted a thorough and independent inquiry. More than 40 witnesses were called and numerous documents presented.
Dr Nakarawa was afforded the opportunity to respond to the allegations and was represented by legal counsel, submitting evidence in his defence.
The first set of complaints concerned the recruitment of Dr Nakarawa’s wife and stepsons, without adherence to established procedures.
Dr Nakarawa was alleged to have advertised a position tailored to his wife’s qualifications, disregarding medical expert advice and contrary to a policy decision by the Minister for Justice and Cabinet on established positions based on a Job Evaluation Exercise.
The second group of complaints pertained to abuse of office, including unfair treatment of staff within the Fiji Corrections Service, such as demotions or terminations without adequate notice or the chance to respond. The third set of complaints alleged that Dr Nakarawa had approved funds for personal use.
After its investigation, the Tribunal found the allegations of nepotism and abuse of office to be substantiated. They concluded that Dr Nakarawa’s actions reflected poor leadership and amounted to misconduct, undermining public confidence in the Fiji Corrections Service and brought disrepute to the institution.
In its report to the President, the Tribunal recommended Dr Nakarawa’s removal from his role as the Commissioner for Corrections.
The Office of the President subsequently issued a letter terminating Dr Nakarawa’s appointment on 26 February 2026.
As a result, there is now a vacancy for the substantive Commissioner’s role, with Auta Moceisuva currently serving as Acting Commissioner.
