Radrodro, PM fallout
Timeline of events
ON Monday ousted education minister Aseri Radrodro gave a detailed explanation on events that transpired after he received a letter from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Solicitor-General to reinstate four members of the Fiji National University Council he had terminated last year. While he explained some actions he took to address the contents of the letters, Mr Radrodro did not disclose why he did not directly update the PM by responding to the emails. Below is a brief of what Mr Radrodro said took place leading up to his dismissal.
May, 2023
Mr Radrodro terminates four FNU Council members Dr Kesaia Seniloli (chairperson), Peter Zinck, Robin Nair and Priscilla Puamau — who had refused to reinstate former FNU registrar Sarita Devi. He said Ms Devi’s termination was brought to him by Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh who claimed that the council had failed to accord her natural justice.
Late May
Mr Radrodro sought legal advice from the Solicitor-General Ropate Green on the termination of the four who had challenged his decision. “SG’s office in late May confirmed that the termination had indeed been il- legal as my office did not have the powers to terminate,” said Mr Radrodro.
September 6 (after three months)
Mr Radrodro confirms receiving his first letter from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka directing him to rescind his decision to terminate the four council members “as per legal advice rendered by the SG’s office and that Dr Seniloli be retained as chairperson of FNU.” On the same day of receiving the first letter from Mr Rabuka, Mr Radrodro contacted each FNU council member informing them of their reinstatement.
September 14
Another letter was sent from the PM directing that Dr Seniloli be reappointed as chairperson of the council. “It must be noted that in first appointing Dr Seniloli on February 10, 2023, to be chairperson of FNU Council, I had done so on the request of Honourable Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica. “I then appointed Mr Semesa Karavaki to be her deputy chairperson.”
September 29
Mr Radrodro sends a letter to Mr Rabuka explaining that the FNU Council had brought to his attention Dr Seniloli’s appointment as chair was not valid and that a crucial element of their appointment via consultation was not carried out. Mr Radrodro claimed he also sought legal advice from Mr Green on the various anomalies raised by the council.
Mid-October
Mr Radrodro claimed he received no word from the SG’s office. After communicating with the SG’s office, he found out that the legal advice had indeed been sent to the education office on October 4.
“The legal opinion from the SG’s office dated October 4 advised that the appointment of Dr Seniloli and Mr Karavaki as chairperson and deputy chair were not in accordance with the FNU Act but they could remain valid council members.”
October 26
Mr Radrodro held a meeting with all FNU Council members in Nasinu. He said they carried out the advice of the SG and appointed a chairperson and a deputy chairperson through an election by the Council. “The outcome of the vote for chairperson was 12 votes to Mr Karavaki and two for Dr Seniloli.”
December 29
Mr Radrodro received a third letter from the Prime Minister expressing his disappointment that he had not followed the advice of the SG in May, that he did not hold the power to terminate the four and that his directions sent in September were wilfully flouted. Mr Radrodro requested Mr Karavaki to send the minutes of the elections on October 26 so he could send them to Mr Rabuka. The minutes were received by Mr Radrodro but because he was overseas, he had contacted Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka to speak to the Prime Minister on the FNU matter. He alleged that he did not receive most of the other communications supposedly sent from the PM to Mr Gavoka.
January 8
Mr Radrodro resumes work after annual leave and relayed to DPM Gavoka the emails from the PM. He claims he was assured by Mr Gavoka that he would speak to the PM about the FNU Council matters.
January 19
Mr Radrodro is dismissed from Government by the PM for insubordination and disobedience to his directives.
January 20
The SODELPA Working Committee holds a press conference with Mr Radrodro claiming they were not informed of the decision.
January 21
Mr Rabuka issues a statement confirming Mr Radrodro’s dismissal was the result of his handling of the FNU Council.
January 22
At a media conference Mr Radrodro apologised to the Prime Minister if his actions or delayed responses had perceived acts of wilful disobedience deeming him insubordinate. “I have also informed the Hon PM that as an auditor in my professional career, I take liability very seriously and this is the attention that I give to my work daily. If that is the cause of delays in my office over this FNU issue, it is sincerely regrettable.”