Minister for Defence, Pio Tikoduadua says the Constitutional Offices Commission has consulted him on the appointment of the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, and he as the Minister has indicated his strong support of the re-appointment of Major General Jone Kalouniwai at the end of his first 5 year contract that is set to expire later this year.
Tikoduadua says he met with the Commander in his office and has relayed to him about what he has told the commission.
He says he would like to inform the people of Fiji about this as well.
Section 131(4) of the Constitution requires that he be consulted as Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs, in the appointment of the Commander of the RFMF.
Tikoduadua says he wishes Major General Kalouniwai well in the continuation of his duties to keep the Fijian people safe.
Speaking to fijivillage News after the meeting, Major General Kalouniwai says he is proud and happy to take up the appointment again.
He says he went in to tell the Defence Minister that he is honoured to take up the appointment for another 5 years.
Major General Kalouniwai says looking at the people calling for him to continue as RFMF Commander, he reassures people that they will continue with the work that they have been doing.
He adds that he continues to work on the professional approach of the RFMF, and an organisational capability review will be implemented later this year.
