The former general manager of the Fiji National Provident Fund informed the Suva High Court today that he personally believed that he was entitled to a responsibility allowance.

Olota Rokovunisei’s trial continued in the Suva High Court before Judge Justice Priyantha Fernando this morning.

It is alleged that Rokovunisei while being employed as general manager and CEO of FNPF in 2006, accepted $22,773.18 from FNPF for performance of his duties, a reward which was beyond his proper pay.

FICAC lawyer Shalini Sanmorgam asked Rokovunisei about the then deputy general manager Foana Nemani’s contract and whether or not she should have received allowance for extra duties.

Sanmorgam then asked him whether he had abused his powers as a chief executive officer when he approved a $20,000 responsibility allowance for Nemani’s extra duties.

Rokovunisei said that he acted upon the powers given to him and he did approve the responsibility allowance under the Human Resources Manual Policy which was approved by the board in 2004.

Rokovunisei is charged with extortion by public servant, alternative count of abuse of office and one count of abuse of office.


Story by: Praneeta Prakash