From 1st August 2019 to 30th April 2020, Nawaikula only spent 50 days in Buca Village - Aslam

FICAC Deputy Commissioner Rashmi Aslam has told the Suva High Court that out of the 273 days from 1st August 2019 to 30th April 2020, SODELPA MP Niko Nawaikula only spent 50 days in Buca Village, Buca Bay.

This is according to Nawaikula's acquittal, phone records and claim documents.

Aslam says Nawaikula spent the rest of his days in Viti Levu where he constantly went back to his home in Koronivia.

However Nawaikula says he had to stay in Viti Levu because of work commitments such as committee meetings and court cases for his law firm.

He says he would love to stay in his village in Buca but admits he was largely in Viti Levu because of work commitments.

Aslam then asked Nawaikula if he believes he should be paid by Parliament for going to Labasa on 7th September 2020 to attend a court case for his law firm.

Nawaikula says a cost was incurred because of this travel and he submitted the claim to Parliament who made the assessment.

The SODELPA MP then asked if Parliament knew he was wrong, why did they pay him back for that travel.

Aslam says Parliament paid Nawaikula because they did not know at that point that he was committing a criminal offense.

He then asked Nawaikula if he feels sorry for the taxpayers of Fiji for wasting their money.

Nawaikula says he does not need to feel sorry for anybody because he has not done anything wrong.

Aslam has also accused Nawaikula of being utterly dishonest and evasive while answering questions.

The trial continues in the Suva High Court.

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.

He 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.