SODELPA MP, Niko Nawaikula took the stand today in the defamation case filed against him by Fijian Broadcasting Corporation CEO, Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and FBC.
In 2017, Nawaikula allegedly posted that Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum was responsible for the strike at Air Terminal Services during his time as Board Chair. He also allegedly posted about FBC’s $21.5m loan, questioning why it was not investigated by FICAC.
Nawaikula took the stand today and he disagreed when it was put to him by the lawyer for Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and FBC, Emmanuel Narayan that his posting was not a fair comment.
Nawaikula also disagreed when it was put to him that his sole purpose was to cause reputational damage to Sayed-Khaiyum and FBC.
The SODELPA MP also disagreed that because of the post they had suffered damages.
Nawaikula told the court that it is wrong to say that his post caused the $50,000 loss as many factors can cause loss of income.
He also confirmed that he has not published any apology.
It was put to Nawaikula whether he knew that the losses FBC made from 2010 to 2015 were projected losses which is that the board knew about the losses.
Nawaikula says he did not know it was projected losses as it is written down as losses adding he also did not ask Sayed-Khaiyum about the losses.
Meanwhile, Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has already taken the stand and he told the court that his reputation suffered grave damage, his character has been maligned and that his job as FBC Chief Executive has been brought into public hatred, ridicule and contempt.
FBC reported that Sayed-Khaiyum had said that he had not caused the strike at ATS but had, in fact, tried to resolve the situation.
The lawsuit seeks damages and a court order against any further libellous or defamatory comments.
The matter has been adjourned to the 31st of this month for the two parties to file their closing submissions.
