SODELPA and NFP parliamentarians on their way to Sigatoka River Mouth to visit the mining site

Some SODELPA and National Federation Party parliamentarians are now on their way to visit the mining site at the Sigatoka River Mouth after the petition raised by SODELPA MP, Viliame Gavoka was rejected by Speaker, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.

Parliament is continuing with no opposition members in the house.

SODELPA and NFP parliamentarians on their way to Sigatokay today [Photo: Ben Daveta]

The opposition parliamentarians met in their chanmbers this morning to decide on whether they will enter parliament today.

SODELPA Whip, Lynda Tabuya says they have decided not to go back into parliament for now as they have not received a response by the Speaker on the rejection of the opposition’s petition and the requirements outlined.

National Federation Party Leader, Professor Biman Prasad says they want to hear from the people in Sigatoka on their concerns regarding the mining issue at the Sigatoka River Mouth.

Fijivillage has been told that they will only return to parliament after receiving the reply from the Speaker.

The Speaker had said before adjourning parliament yesterday afternoon that he hopes the opposition would be back in parliament today.

Stay with us for developments.

Gavoka’s Petition Not Allowed while Speaker makes it clear that online petitions are not allowed

Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau had confirmed yesterday that SODELPA MP, Viliame Gavoka’s petition for a review of mining by a private company at the Sigatoka River Mouth, will not be allowed in parliament as it does not meet the requirements.

While delivering his ruling, Ratu Epeli said any petition should be seeking action within the powers of parliament to take.

Ratu Epeli also emphasized the need to ensure that parliament upholds and respects the judiciary, legislature and executive, and it is not for parliament to instruct the executive.

He says the constitutional separation of powers must always be upheld and never be jeopardised.

Ratu Epeli also says the activities of a non-state entity do not fall under the jurisdiction of parliament.

The Speaker also confirms that online petitions will not be allowed in parliament as verification of signatures is important. He says only petitions with handwritten signatures will be accepted.

SODELPA MP, Viliame Gavoka interjected the Speaker twice to speak and Ratu Epeli Nailatikau warned him not to interrupt him again while he was delivering the ruling.

Meanwhile Ratu Epeli also confirmed that SODELPA MP, Lynda Tabuya had two petitions however she withdrew them on Monday.