FICAC officers conduct search at SODELPA office

SODELPA has confirmed that FICAC officers searched their office at McGregor Road in Suva today in the presence of the General Secretary, Acting Vice Presidents and Party Leader.

SODELPA General Secretary, Emele Duituturaga says the search warrant was issued to obtain information and documentation relating to the party membership, and registration relating to residential addresses of certain SODELPA Members of Parliament in relation to a complaint regarding the alleged breaches of the Parliamentary Remuneration Act.

Duituturaga says the party trusts the legal system will uphold the principles of natural justice and that everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

FICAC has already confirmed that they are currently investigating eight Opposition MPs and one Government MP who allegedly breached eligibility requirements for travel and accommodation allowances.

The Commission confirms that the complaint was received in May from the Secretary General of Parliament regarding the alleged breach of the Parliamentary Remuneration Act.

FICAC states that the nature of the complaint alleges that these MPs claimed travel and accommodation allowances they were not entitled to.

They also say that once all the relevant evidence is collated and analysed, a decision will be made and necessary action taken, should it be required.