Former Opposition Office staff member and prosecution witness in the trial of SODELPA MP Niko Nawaikula read out a letter in court yesterday which was written by a Director of Anderson Fong Building where Nawaikula operates from in Savusavu which states that Nawaikula is a tenant of the building.
It is alleged that Nawaikula gave false information regarding his residence to the then Secretary-General to Parliament, Viniana Namosimalua while claiming for parliamentary allowances.
Nawaikula allegedly 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.
During cross examination, Peniasi Daveta was told to read out another letter by the Buca Village Headman which stated that Nawaikula was an active member of the village and heads the Health Awareness and Youth Committee.
Nawaikula’s lawyer Sevuloni Valenitabua then asked Daveta if he was aware that Nawaikula wrote to the then Secretary General of Parliament about his relocation to Buca Village.
Daveta says he was aware and Nawaikula was requested by the Secretary General’s Office to provide letters by the Turaga-Ni-Koro and others to prove their place of residence.
He also revealed in court that MPs did not need to provide records of their meals and accommodation but only for travelling where they will be reimbursed later.
While presenting receipts as evidence to Daveta, FICAC's Deputy Commissioner, Rashmi Aslam asked if Daveta had filled in a particular form where Nawaikula claimed to have travelled by bus and boat from Buca Village to Viti Levu for $55.90, and at the same time he also claimed a taxi fare of $250.
Daveta who is currently the SODELPA Communications Officer confirmed this, but told the court that he did not realize it at that time that it was a double payment.
He informed the court yesterday that he now realizes by looking at receipts provided to him, that a double payment was made when Nawaikula was travelling from Buca Village in Vanua Levu to attend a parliament sitting.
It was heard in court that Nawaikula would submit his receipts and Daveta would then fill the claims in a form.
He told the court that in this case, he relied on the information given by Nawaikula to be true.
Nawaikula is charged with one count of Giving False Information to a Public Servant and one count of Obtaining Financial Advantage. The trial continues in the Suva High Court.
Meanwhile, FICAC has also charged SODELPA MPs Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, Salote Radrodro, Simione Rasova, Peceli Vosanibola and Adi Litia Qionibaravi and former FijiFirst MP Vijendra Prakash with a count of Giving False Information to a Public Servant and one count each of Obtaining Financial Advantage.
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