I will not resign – Niko Nawaikula

SODELPA parliamentarian, Niko Nawaikula says he believes they do not need to resign from parliament although he and five others from SODELPA have been charged by FICAC.

When approached by Fijivillage, Nawaikula said they are innocent until proven guilty so it is wrong for them to resign now.

SODELPA President Ratu Epenisa Cakobau and Party Leader Viliame Gavoka had earlier said that we must allow due process to be followed and the six SODELPA MPs charged by FICAC are innocent until proven guilty.

However Ratu Epenisa and Gavoka have expressed concern over the alleged breaches of the 2014 Parliamentary Remuneration Act by the six SODELPA MPs.

FICAC charged SODELPA MPs, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, Salote Radrodro, Simione Rasova, Niko Nawaikula, Peceli Vosanibola and Adi Litia Qionibaravi, and FijiFirst MP Vijendra Prakash with one count each of False Information to Public Servant and Obtaining Financial Advantage.

Gavoka says as the matter is now before the courts and the members accused have been told to re-appear in court on the 25th of January, we must allow due process to take its course and respect the rights of those accused as stipulated in the constitution, which says every person charged with an offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law.

Gavoka says in the meantime, there is a need to review the processes and procedures in place to ensure that all claims by members are in full compliance with the established rules and members are protected.

Ratu Epenisa Cakobau says though he was disappointed that the six opposition members had been charged, he reiterated that they are still members of the SODELPA family and he asked Party members and supporters to pray for them and the Party during these trying times.

The six SODELPA parliamentarians and a FijiFirst MP allegedly claimed a combined total of $186,749.20 in parliamentary allowances that they were not entitled to, and FICAC also confirms that the second complaint against the SODELPA MPs was lodged by a faction of SODELPA alleging breaches by their own members.

FICAC confirms that they received the initial complaint referred by Acting Secretary General of Parliament, Viniana Namosimalua regarding the alleged breach of the Parliamentary Remunerations Act.

Ratu Suliano Matanitobua is alleged to have falsely stated that his permanent place of residence was in Namosi village, Namosi and allegedly obtained $38,378.22 between August 2019 and April 2020.

Salote Radrodro is alleged to have falsely stated that her permanent place of residence was in Namulomulo village, Nabouwalu, Bua and allegedly obtained $37,920.13 between August 2019 and April 2020.

Simione Rasova is alleged to have falsely stated that his permanent place of residence was in Nasenivolau, Nabouwalu village, Ono, Kadavu and allegedly obtained $21,350 between July 2019 and April 2020.

Niko Nawaikula is alleged to have falsely stated that his permanent place of residence was in Buca village, Buca Bay and allegedly obtained $20,201.35 between August 2019 and April 2020.

Peceli Vosanibola is alleged to have falsely stated that his permanent place of residence was in Navuloa village, Bureta, Ovalau, Lomaiviti and allegedly obtained $19,749.50 between August 2019 and March 2020.

Adi Litia Qionibaravi is alleged to have falsely stated that her permanent place of residence was in Ucunivanua, Verata, Tailevu and allegedly obtained $15,480 between August 2019 and April 2020.

All the accused were instructed to report to the Police Station nearest to them on the last Friday of each month, to surrender their travel documents with a Stop Departure Order issued accordingly.

The matter has been adjourned to 25th January 2021.