Attorney-General Gabriel Suri has rejected allegations by Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare that he acted under political influence in the case involving former Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC) Director-General applicant Solomon Kalu.
In a statement, Suri said the Opposition’s claims were based on speculation and unverified reports, adding that no attempt had been made to seek his response before the allegations were made public.
“The allegations and assertions made against the Attorney-General were published without any attempt to verify the facts with the Office of the Attorney-General,” Suri said in a statement.
“The allegations raised were merely speculative and based on unconfirmed reports,” he added.
Suri rejected suggestions that his legal advice or actions were influenced by political direction, insisting that he had carried out his constitutional duties professionally, objectively and without fear or favour.
While acknowledging the receives instructions from the Executive Government, Suri said he must independently weigh those instructions against the need to uphold the rule of law and protect the public interest.
Suri said Kalu had been wrongly prevented from taking up the position of SIICAC Director-General after assessing the facts and evidence surrounding the case.
He said he understood that the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) based its decision on Kalu’s refusal to comply with the Government’s former COVID-19 vaccination policy, commonly referred to as “No Jab, No Job.”
However, Suring said he noted that the policy was later revoked by the previous Cabinet and argued that it was therefore unreasonable for it to continue affecting Kalu’s appointment.
The Attorney-General also clarified that any settlement of the court proceedings would not automatically result in Kalu’s appointment as SIICAC Director-General.
He said government lawyers had informed lawyers representing Kalu and Sol-law that, even if the matter were settled, Kalu would still be required to submit a fresh application for the position.
Furthermore, Suri said that because the Chief Justice chairs the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, the appropriate course was to resolve the matter through the normal legal process.
He added that it would be inappropriate for the Attorney-General to advise the Commission directly while it is already represented by Sol-law.
Suri argued that an out-of-court settlement would also avoid unnecessary legal costs to the Government.
He accused the Opposition of fearing the possibility of Kalu becoming SIICAC Director-General.
“It appears that the Official Opposition is scared of Solomon Kalu taking the position of Director-General of the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption,” Suri said.
