Naomi Matanitobua

Naomi Matanitobua is a former Fijian judge, who took office as Chief Magistrate of Fiji on 14 December 2005, succeeding David Balram. Her term of appointment was for three years.

Naomi Matanitobua
Chief Magistrate of Fiji
In office
14 December 2005 – 20 April 2009
Preceded byDavid Balram
Succeeded byAjmal Khan

Life

Matanitobua's first application for the position, in 2002, was not successful. She was determined to dispel the impression, she said, that women cannot occupy senior judicial offices.

Her legal career began as a temporary relieving court clerk in 1980. By 1999, she had become a resident magistrate. In 2020 she was still authorised to practise.[1]

2006 coup d'état
Main article: 2006 Fijian coup d'état

In the wake of the military coup which deposed the Qarase government on 5 December 2006, Matanitobua was sent on paid leave until further notice, along with Chief Justice Daniel Fatiaki, on 3 January 2007.[2] The military administration said it wanted to conduct an investigation into the judiciary.[3] The investigation would cover allegations that members of the judiciary had been implicated in 2000 Fijian coup d'état.[4]

Matanitobua returned to work as chief magistrate in March 2007.[5] She was removed from office following the abrogation of the 1997 Constitution of Fiji by the military regime in 2009. She was replaced as Chief Magistrate by Ajmal Khan.[6]

Following her sacking she returned to legal work, defending Teimumu Kepa when she was charged with conspiracy by the military regime over plans to hold the annual Methodist Church conference.[7]

References
  1. "List of Legal Practitioners with valid Practising Certificate as at 5th November 2020 for the period 01st March, 2020 – 28th February, 2021" (PDF). 2021. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2021-10-25. Retrieved 2021-10-12.
  2. "I will challenge removal: Fatiaki". Fiji Times. 23 January 2007. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007.
  3. "Tough choice for CJ". Fiji Times. 7 January 2007. Archived from the original on 7 February 2012.
  4. "Judiciary probe to start soon: Leweni". Fiji Times. 12 January 2012. Archived from the original on 7 February 2012.
  5. "Fiji Attorney-General halts inquiry into early release of former Vice-President". RNZ. 8 March 2007. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  6. "Here comes the (new) law". Fiji Sun. 20 April 2009. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  7. "Ro Teimumu cleared". Fiji Sun. 10 September 2010. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
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