Former Opposition Office staff tells court he cannot confirm whether Nawaikula relocated after 2018 elections

Former Opposition Office staff and prosecution witness in the trial of SODELPA MP Niko Nawaikula charged for allegedly obtaining more than $20,000 through deception has told the Suva High Court that Nawaikula and some other Opposition MPs had indicated that they wanted to relocate after the 2018 elections but he cannot confirm whether Nawaikula relocated.

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.

Peniasi Daveta who is currently the SODELPA Communications Officer also told the court that he first came to know Nawaikula before the 2014 elections and to his knowledge Nawaikula lived in Koronivia.

When questioned by FICAC's Deputy Commissioner, Rashmi Aslam, on what he would consider to be Nawaikula’s permanent address, Daveta stated it would be Buca Village as stated in the Declaration Form Nawaikula signed in parliament.

Daveta also told the court Nawaikula comes from Koronivia during parliament sessions and goes back to Buca Village after the sittings.

The prosecution witness also confirmed in the court that MPs that live 30 kilometres away from parliament can claim for allowances.

It was heard in court that Nawaikula would submit his receipts in order to Daveta who would then fill the claims in a form.

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.