Republic Fiji’s Prime Minister Fires Minister After Explicit Video Leaks Online

Melanesia Island Country of Republic Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has dismissed Lynda Tabuya from her post as Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection after an explicit video of her surfaced on social media.

Ms. Tabuya, who confirmed the video was a private message intended for her husband, decried its unauthorized circulation as a violation of her privacy and an illegal act.

The video’s release prompted local Fijian media to report on the matter, and Mr. Rabuka announced his decision to remove Ms. Tabuya from her ministerial role on Facebook. While the source of the leak remains unclear, the Prime Minister noted that it is now up to Ms. Tabuya to pursue legal action.

In a statement, Mr. Rabuka acknowledged that the video’s circulation had damaged the reputation of both his cabinet and party. After consulting with Ms. Tabuya and reviewing the situation, he chose to replace her with her assistant minister, Sashi Kiran.

Mr. Rabuka explained that the dismissal was in line with the cabinet’s codes of conduct, although the specifics of the breach remain uncertain, given that Fiji’s constitution does not provide a detailed code for the professional conduct of MPs or ministers.