SODELPA MP, Niko Nawaikula has told the Suva High Court today that he is not a criminal, he is old and will not make any claims if he knew he was wrong.
It is alleged that Nawaikula gave false information about his residence to the former Secretary General of Parliament 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.
Nawaikula also told the court that no one ever told him that what he was claiming for was wrong or unlawful.
In his opening statement, Valenitabua told the court that evidence will show that Nawaikula is not a white collar criminal.
He says the reference they will submit will show Nawaikula did not give false information to the then Secretary-General Viniana Namosimalua.
Valenitabua says Namosimalua had told the court that MPs who live 30 kilometres away from parliament are eligible for allowances.
He says this is the law.
Nawaikula is charged with one count of Giving False Information to a Public Servant and one count of Obtaining Financial Advantage.
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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