THERE has been a call for transparency in the resignation settlement deal of former Chief Justice Daniel Fatiaki.
Transparency International (Fiji) chairperson Suliana Siwatibau said one of the promises made by the regime was to rout corruption.
She questioned if Mr Fatiaki was suspended for corruption and if so the $275,000 raised questions.
Referring to a Fiji Times report, Mrs Siwatibau said it stated the initial offer of settlement came from the lawyers of the suspended Chief Justice.
"TI Fiji believes in total independence of the position of the Chief Justice being above politics and being the ultimate pillar in upholding the rule of law," she said.
"His rights at law to challenge his removal should have been fought on principle. Why did he set aside his right?
"Why did the very government that promised to uphold the law and eradicating corruption, when capturing such a high profile case, drop the charges?"
Mrs Siwatibau said taxpayers' money was expended in the deal.
"The taxpayers should be informed of why and how much of their money was given away," she said.
"Apart from the reported $275,000, the settlement included gratuity and pension. What does gratuity include? Why was this given in addition to the settlement sum quoted and the usual pension?
"Given the sick state of Fiji's economic development programs to lift our people out of poverty, this deal adds another layer of depression on an already depressed majority of our population."
