Driti had allegedly told me about the plan to remove govt-Vakatale

The Personal Staff Officer of the former Land Force Commander, Pita Driti said Driti had allegedly told him about the plan to remove the government in 2010.

Army Captain Atunaisa Vakatale who was Driti's Personal Staff Officer for over three years took the witness stand for the prosecution today.

He said Driti spoke to him when he went to take his belongings from QEB after he was sent on leave in October 2010.  

Captain Vakatale says on that day Driti told him there was a plan to remove the Army Commander, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama and to approach the President to dissolve the Bainimarama led cabinet.

He said the plan was taken to Driti by Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara after Mara had discussions with Brigadier General Mohammed Aziz.

Captain Vakatale also said that Driti told him that Brigadier General Aziz then came to Driti's office to discuss the plan.

Vakatale said he remembers the day Aziz came for the meeting with Driti however Vakatale was not in the same room where the meeting took place.

He further said that Pita Driti was not the same type of person when Vakatale returned from Iraq in 2010 to take up the position with Driti again.

Vakatale said whenever the Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum would make comments on the radio, Driti would make disagreeing remarks.

Driti had also told Vakatale that he was wary of Sayed-Khaiyum.

While being cross-examined by defense lawyer, Filimoni Vosarogo,
 
Captain Vakatale said Driti had told him that the plan was discussed by Brigadier General Aziz and Ratu Tevita Mara before it was taken to Driti.

Pita Driti is charged with uttering seditious comments and inciting to mutiny.

Story by: Vijay Narayan