Reverend Akuila Yabaki to step down as CEO
The Chair of the Board of Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF) today announced that Reverend Akuila Yabaki will step down as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the organisation at the end of March 2015.
Reverend Yabaki has been at the helm of CCF for the past 16 years, first as Director, and then CEO from 2002. In 1999, he was also named the Pacific Person of the Year by Islands Business magazine. Under his leadership, CCF has grown from small beginnings to become a leading human rights organisation in Fiji. Reverend Yabaki has steered the organisation through the turbulent times of 2000 and the post 2006 years fearlessly advocating for justice. His passion for the rule of law, good governance, and human rights, especially the rights of marginalized people, has led CCF to successfully undertake advocacy and education in many areas and over a multitude of issues. He cultivated endearing friendships across the racial, religious and political divide in the cause of promoting and advocating for human rights, and created strong regional and international networks of individuals and organisations to support human rights, justice and democracy in Fiji.
“CCF is deeply indebted to Reverend Yabaki for his long devoted service to CCF”, said Tessa Mackenzie, Chair of the CCF Board. “Under his leadership CCF has realised many of the hopes of the CCF members deeply committed to constitutionality, the rule of law, respect for human rights and multiculturalism. He has given CCF firm grounding and direction for the organisation’s future, despite the unforeseen events that have disrupted Fiji’s stability during his years as CCF’s leader.”
“There are no words to adequately express our thanks to Reverend Yabaki, and we wish him well.”
Reverend Yabaki said “It has been a privilege over these years to be part of the vision in making Fiji a nation where citizens live together in equality, justice, peace, and respecting the rule of law under a Constitution that guarantees democracy and human rights.”
“It has been a challenge navigating the different political persuasions over the years particularly in relation to changing governments, and even in my own Methodist Church, but I have continued to strongly advocate for ethnic diversity and human rights, which ought to be the primary concern of the Christian faith; to love one another as Christ loved us.” said Reverend Yabaki.