Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has sacked Aseri Radrodro from cabinet, citing “insubordination and disobedience”, a decision that the ousted minister’s party, SODELPA, is questioning as well, including the authenticity of the statement.
In the brief statement posted on the Fiji Government Facebook page at around 7pm today Rabuka did not expand on the reasons for the dismissal. Minister for Trade and Tourism Viliame Gavoka will assume the portfolio, effective from Monday January 22, in addition to his existing role
SODELPA General Secretary Viliame Takayawa said they were not consulted and only came to know about the decision via social media.
“We have spoken to him (Radrodro). He is also in the dark as well. Nobody seems to know where this thing came from.”
The party is questioning the authenticity of the statement given the manner in which it was issued, likening it to the cabinet reshuffling statement that was posted on the government’s FB page in October last year, and was later removed.
“It seems to be similar to the reshuffling notice that was done late last year. Right now we are treating it like that.”
However, a senior government official has confirmed that it is authentic and true, and when asked on the implications of the decision, he said it was a political decision and only the PM could respond to.
“I can confirm that he released that statement, but that is a political decision that only the PM can respond to. I can confirm that that is his statement,” the official said.
