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The office of Fiji’s Prime Minister says there is no investigation being carried out by the government to look for people spreading what it says are rumors of a split between the government and the military, and about the future of key government figures.
“We’re just telling people not to indulge in rumors, there is no investigation,” said permanent secretary to the PM’s Office, Lieutenant Colonel Pio Tikoduadua at a press conference this afternoon.
“These widespread rumors are absolutely not true,” Tikoduadua told reporters.
“Recent speculations have suggested that the Attorney General (Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum) and the Solicitor General (Christopher Pryde) have both been dismissed. Let me state this is absolutely not true,” he said.
“There have also been rumors that there is a split between the government and the military. Let me categorically state that, on behalf of the office of the Prime Minister that these rumors are not true,” Tikoduadua added.
He stressed that the rumors had an impact on moving the country forward.
“It’s not good because one thing people do is indulge and worry more about rumors than having to try and move forward.”
Tikoduadua also attacked speculation surrounding John Prasad being replaced this week as acting permanent secretary for Finance.
“Prasad not holding the appointment of PS Finance anymore, I don’t think there’s any relation between that activity and this release.
“Prasad is going to remain consultant for the government.”
He said the post has been advertised and meanwhile David Kolitagane had been appointed acting permanent secretary while Prasad had gone back to his original role as consultant.
Today’s press conference follows a Ministry of Information press release from permanent secretary Sharon Smith-Johns last Friday stating that both Sayed-Khaiyum and Pryde were key movers of the Bainimarama government’s reform agenda.
Smith-Johns said then that contrary to rumours, the two were not going to be replaced.
By Edwina Chand
