Fiji’s new Attorney-General, Sevuloni Ratumaiyale Valenitabua was sworn into office by President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu at State House on Tuesday, bringing nearly 30 years of legal experience across Fiji and the Pacific.
President Lalabalavu congratulated Valenitabua on his appointment and wished him well as he assumes responsibility for the Government’s principal legal advisory office.
The Attorney-General serves as the Government’s principal legal adviser and chief law officer, providing legal guidance and helping ensure government decisions and actions comply with Fiji’s laws and constitutional framework.
Valenitabua’s career spans approximately 29 years, including senior legal roles in Fiji, the Solomon Islands and Nauru.
He served as Commissioner and Proceedings Commissioner of the Fiji Human Rights Commission, Legal Adviser at the Public Solicitor’s Office in the Solomon Islands, and Director of the Public Defenders’ Office in Nauru. He also briefly served as Acting Secretary for Justice in Nauru.
Admitted to practice law in Fiji and New South Wales in 1996, Valenitabua has experience in criminal and civil litigation, constitutional law and representation before superior courts.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Bond University on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.
Before entering the legal profession, Valenitabua spent 16 years as a secondary school teacher in Fiji.
His appointment comes with extensive legal and regional experience as the Office of the Attorney-General carries out its responsibilities in supporting constitutional governance, the rule of law and public administration.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Permanent Secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister Dr Lesikimacuata Korovavala, Solicitor-General Robert Green and members of Valenitabua’s family.
