Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka confirms that he has appointed Assistant Finance Minister, Esrom Immanuel to look after the Finance and Commerce portfolios.
Rabuka confirms he has received Professor Biman Prasad’s formal notification of his resignation from cabinet and as Deputy Prime Minister after charges were laid against FICAC.
He says Professor Prasad will continue to serve as a Member of Parliament and caucus.
The Prime Minister has thanked Professor Prasad and his family for his cooperation and their support for him during the time that they have served together in cabinet since December 24th 2022. Meanwhile, it seems two of the Deputy Prime Ministers who have resigned, may not come back into their positions before the 2026 general elections as their cases are just in the preliminary stages and the court process will take time. When asked by fijivillage News on whether he is concerned about his most senior ministers being charged and what are his plans knowing that they were holding important portfolios, Prime Minister Rabuka says it looks like the cases will not be dealt with in a short time.
Rabuka says it may take some portfolio management and reshuffling.
The Prime Minister admits it is going to be difficult, but he says that they have a strong Civil Service Senior Cadre that can keep things on a steady keel.
Professor Prasad has been charged with failure to comply with statutory disclosure requirements contrary to section 24 (5) of the Political Parties Act.
It is alleged that in December 2015, Professor Prasad failed to comply with the Act by not declaring his directorship in Platinum Hotels and Resorts PTE Limited.
He will appear in the Suva Magistrates Court on the 17th of November.
