Sitiveni Rabuka in parliament. Photo: Parliament of the Republic of Fiji
A former Fijian prime minister has called Sitiveni Rabuka "unfit to lead the country" and "frequently inconsistent".
Labour leader Mahendra Chaudhry made the comment after Rabuka did a u-turn on restoring a backbencher to Cabinet who he demoted after she appeared in a private video dancing naked.
Rabuka told The Fiji Times this week that it would be inappropriate for Lynda Tabuya, the former minister for women, children and social protection, to be reinstated to a ministerial position.
Less than two weeks ago, he told Fijian media that Tabuya would make an ideal minister for information, after she made a Matanigasau, or traditional apology, to the government.
Chaudhry told RNZ Pacific that Rabuka's lack of consistency on important issues is a real concern.
"As the head of government, one would expect him to be consistent. He lacks consistency and he has done this many times on important issues," he said.
"Many people are questioning his ability to run the government responsibly in such a situation when he keeps changing his mind without giving reasons for it."
Chaudhry said on the FLP's facebook page: "Oi-lei Prime Minister, when are we going to rely on anything you say as the final word on any issue?"
"Is Rabuka merely forgetful or is he just plain fickle?"
Sitiveni Rabuka and Mahnedra Chaudhry embrace at the reconciliation church service on 14 May 2023. Photo: Fiji Government
Three days ago, Rabuka told Fijian media that Tabuya would not be restored to Cabinet.
"Why should she come back and go straight to the front bench?" he said.
"There are other MPs who have behaved and acted in accordance with Cabinet rules.
"They have followed the law and have not breached any of our conditions."
Lynda apologises
In her apology, Tabuya admitted that she had brought disrepute to parliament, the government and the people of Fiji.
Several days later, Rabuka told the Fiji Sun that Tabuya would suit the Information portfolio, with her personality and accessibility to the press.
"I have indicated that she can be back in Cabinet." he said.
Rabuka dumped her from Cabinet last December after the explicit video went viral on Christmas Eve.
Tabuya, who remains an MP, claimed at the time that the video was made for her ex-husband Robert Semaan, and that her phone was stolen and hacked.
She later lodged a complaint with the police cybercrime unit, who have identified two suspects involved in the leak.
She said last month she would take legal action against the editor of Fijileaks, who she alleged leaked the video.
The ruling People's Alliance Party decided not to expel Tabuya last month, "in the spirit of second chances."
RNZ Pacific has reached out multiple times to Rabuka's office for comment.
