Rewa maintains stand on December 2006 takeover

The Vanua of Rewa is maintaining their stand that the December 2006 takeover was illegal and the 1997 constitution should remain in place.

This is highlighted in their submission on the draft constitution which was presented to the Attorney General’s office yesterday by Rewa high chief Ro Teimumu Kepa.

Their submission also states if there are good grounds to make changes to the 1997 constitution than it should only be made by an elected Parliament.

They also say that key positions that are normally independent like the Director of Public Prosecutions, Auditor General, Governor of the Reserve Bank, Commissioner of Police, Commissioner of Prisons and Supervisor of Elections could be subject to political interference as they are to be appointed either by the Prime Minister or Attorney General.

In their submission, the Vanua of Rewa has stated that there should not be any immunity under the draft constitution as it will encourage the continuation of the coup culture.

The submission signed by Ro Teimumu and the eight chiefs of Rewa said there is no transparency in the process adopted by the government for public consultation on the draft constitution which should rightfully be the responsibility of an independent body.

It also said that the draft constitution fails to acknowledge the important place in Fiji’s history of the i-Taukei distinctly as the first settlers ahead of other ethnic groups who followed later and now call Fiji home.

They also oppose the termination of the Great Council of Chiefs.
 
When contacted yesterday, Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said the submission will be assessed and a decision will be made on whether anything would be included in the draft constitution.   
 

Story by: Akuila Cama