Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said he will not make a decision about accepting the resignation of Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Pio Tikoduadua until he has spoken to him.
Responding to the questions from the media, Rabuka said he is aware of Tikoduadua’s resignation.
“I will not decide anything until I have spoken to him.”
On someone who will replace Tikoduadua while investigation into the alleged illegal issuance of passport to children of individuals associated with the Grace Road human rights allegations, Rabuka said the appointment will come from within.
“It will come from lineup we already have, or I take on the Immigration.”
Tikoduadua, in a statement last night said he was stepping aside to allow for a thorough investigation.
“This is necessary to ensure the enquiry is conducted impartially and without any perception of undue influence from my office.”
“These passports appear to have been issued without my knowledge, without the approval of the Permanent Secretary, and without authorisation from senior management within the Department of Immigration. If confirmed, this constitutes a significant breach of our protocols and raises serious concerns about the internal oversight mechanisms within the department.”
