I did not follow the right channel while trying to get Bainimarama and Qiliho to be released for reconciliation ceremony - PM

Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka confirms he did not follow the right channel when he was trying to get former Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner, Sitiveni Qiliho to be released from prison last Saturday to attend the reconciliation ceremony at Queen Elizabeth Barracks.

Rabuka had said during the ceremony that he had asked President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere to release Bainimarama and Qiliho to attend the RFMF event.

He had said it twice for people at the ceremony to wait as Bainimarama and Qiliho were on their way.

Rabuka also apologised to the RFMF Commander, Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai that this was not part of the program.

However Bainimarama and Qiliho did not arrive for the ceremony.

When asked by fijivillage News, Rabuka said the request should have gone to the Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service but he did not see him at the function so he had sent a note to the President.

The Prime Minister admits the President did not have the right to release Bainimarama and Qiliho from prison for the ceremony, so they all ran out of time.

Rabuka says they tried but could not make it happen.

Legally, the President cannot get a prisoner to be released to attend a ceremony. A request can by made to the Corrections Commissioner, who can then make a decision.