FICAC witness tells court that Parliament's finance office made amendments to Nawaikula's claims

The Senior Finance Officer for Parliament in SODELPA MP, Niko Nawaikula's trial has told the Suva High Court that the finance office made amendments to Nawaikula's forms for claims that were processed by the payment clerk.

It is alleged that Nawaikula gave false information about 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.

While being cross-examined by Nawaikula's lawyer, Sevuloni Valenitabua, prosecution witness, Sarwesh Narayan says Nawaikula did not confirm the amendments when the changes in the forms were made.

He says the amount paid was different from what Nawaikula claimed and the amount paid, whether it was reduced or increased was computed by the finance office.

Narayan says the claims were done on the basis of the receipts that were received by the office from Nawaikula.

He also told the court that a finance officer certifies the amount in the claim forms after it has been approved by the Senior Opposition Officer and the Secretary-General to Parliament.

The FICAC witness further says Nawaikula was to return to Buca Village in Vanua Levu on 6th September, 2019 after the end of Parliament sitting and return on the 9th for a parliamentary committee meeting but he decided to stay back and saved money for the parliament.

He agreed with Valenitabua that this saved the parliament's money and it was a good gesture by Nawaikula.

Narayan also told the court that he has come across Members of Parliament who carry their own receipt books.

He also agreed with Valenitabua that taxi drivers do not always carry receipt books with them.

The trial continues in the Suva High Court.

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.