Joseph Nitya Nand who has been relieved of his responsibilities as the Assistant Minister for Education says he has accepted the decision of the FijiFirst as he was unable to maintain high standards and values of the party.
Nand says he remains a member of parliament and his allegiance remains with the FijiFirst.
Nand says this has happened through his actions and he takes responsibility for it.
FijiFirst General Secretary Aiyaz Saiyed-Khaiyum says Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has made the decision as per the government's strong stance on adhering to strict COVID-safe protocols and maintaining high standards of Parliamentary behaviour.
Sayed-Khaiyum says although this is rather unfortunate for Nand, the government has to maintain and be seen maintaining strict policing of COVID-safe measures by every Fijian citizen especially one of its own party members.
He says they have demonstrated in the past that implementation of their principles must begin at home and they do not discriminate and as per the party policy, they treat every Fijian equally.
Sayed-Khaiyum says he has spoken to Nand who understands the principled stance of FijiFirst.
The Attorney General says the party is bigger than any individual and they will ensure that they continue to maintain their principled stand under the Prime Minister.
Sayed-Khaiyum has assured Fijians that government will do everything possible to ensure they all fight this pandemic together to revamp our economy, bring back jobs, provide a social safety net and sustain livelihoods.
