15 December, 2025, 9:13 am Central - 23°C Rain

34 years on today, Professor Tupeni Baba speaks about the May 14th 1987 coup led by Rabuka

34 years on today, Professor Tupeni Baba speaks about the May 14th 1987 coup led by Rabuka

By Vijay Narayan
14/05/2021
Professor Tupeni Baba in 1987 (Getty Images and Sitiveni Rabuka in 1987 (Fairfax Media)

At 10am, May 14th, 1987, the first coup was staged in Fiji led by the third-ranked military officer in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Sitiveni Rabuka.

This changed Fiji forever and as we mark 34 years of that event today, Professor Tupeni Baba who was part of the then Doctor Timoci Bavadra led government said it is unfortunate that the 1987 coup occurred as it also started off the culture of coups.

He says taking the government out with force and dividing the races with a barrel of the gun will never bring anything good.

Professor Baba says he remembers that day in 1987 when Rabuka entered parliament.

He says he had also challenged Rabuka on that day, but listened to the late Doctor Bavadra.

The leader of the two coups in 1987, Sitiveni Rabuka whose immunity provisions for those acts have also been included in the 2013 constitution said in an earlier interview with fijivillage that he has come to realize that he cannot justify what happened on May 14th, 1987.

Rabuka had also made claims in his book, Rabuka Of Fiji that he was allegedly influenced by former politicians.

He was taken to court for this.

FEATURE NEWS
Fijians urged to stay alert as TD03F brings rain and unsettled weather
People are being urged to remain vigilant and prepare as the effects of Tropical Depression TD03F are expected to be felt from tonight.According to th...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Second suspect in Raiwai robbery arrested
The second suspect allegedly involved in an aggravated robbery outside the Raiwai Top Shop yesterday has been arrested.Police say the arrest was ...
32 minutes ago

16 people have been killed in a shooting at Australia's Bondi Beach
16 people have been killed in a shooting at Australia's Bondi Beach, which targeted the Jewish community, as more than 1,000 people attended an event ...
44 minutes ago

18 youths graduate from Basic Poultry Production training in Vanua Levu
18 youths have gained valuable hands-on skills and new income opportunities after completing a three-week Basic Poultry Production course at the ...
2 hours ago

23-year-old man arrested for allegedly assaulting police officer in Suva
A 23-year-old man from Nabua Topline has been arrested in Suva for allegedly assaulting a police officer on Waimanu Road yesterday. Police say they ...
2 hours ago

Two gunmen open fire at Bondi Chanukkah event, 10 confirmed dead
A gunman has been shot dead and another is being treated after opening fire on Bondi beach, killing 10 people in what is believed to be a targeted ...
12 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Sonia Shanaaz says silent treatment hurts as she waits for assistance for her daughter with cerebral palsy
Sonia Shanaaz, the mother of 10-year-old Aarna who was born with cerebral palsy, says silent treatment hurts after she reached out to the ...
3 days ago

I do not support police officers being charged on public opinions and without evidence - COMPOL
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu says he will stand by his officers, and he does not support any officer being charged based on public opinion ...
3 days ago

Dubai 7s 2025
The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side are working on their fitness as they prepare for the start of the 2025/2026 World 7s Series this ...
7 days ago

TOP