About 50 people including Tui Suva show full support to Standwithniko Advocacy

Tui Suva Ratu Sanaila Madanavosa has shown his full support towards the NGO called Standwithniko (SWN) Advocacy.

While speaking as the chief guest at the Talanoa session organised by the NGO at the Fijian Teachers Association Hall in Suva, Ratu Sanaila says this is a new movement that the iTaukei people have been crying for.

He says the Vanua of Suva has been crying for a long time because people are using their land, but they are not being noticed.

He also says if this NGO needs the support of the Tikina of Suva, they will hold a meeting with the Yavusa so they can come in numbers to support this movement.

Ratu Sanaila adds their cries will need to stop, and something should be done for them.

While speaking to the media, former SODELPA parliamentarian and lawyer, Niko Nawaikula, who is the President of Standwithniko (SWN) Advocacy, says they have come together for this talanoa session to express concern about the 2013 Constitution, and their concern as indigenous Fijians is racism.

He says the 2013 Constitution totally removes the constitutional recognition of cultural institutions like the Great Council of Chiefs and group rights.

With only around 50 people turning up for the Talanoa session, Nawaikula says he is disappointed that only a few females showed up, and he is hopeful that this number can improve.

He says he is happy with the numbers because, for a long time, he has been doing advocacy single-handedly for the iTaukei community.

Nawaikula says now there are people to help him with his advocacy work.