6 December, 2025, 2:02 am Central - 24°C Rain

I was pushing in 2019 to urgently deal with the drug problem - Tikoduadua

I was pushing in 2019 to urgently deal with the drug problem - Tikoduadua

By Navitalai Naivalurua
15/06/2024
Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua

Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua says he had moved a motion for Parliament to appoint a special Parliament Committee to conduct an inquiry into the multifaceted risks of hard drugs in the country in 2019 because they had realized at that time that there was a growing public discussion on the effects of drugs and its availability on the streets.

While responding to a question on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan on why he was pushing so hard at that time to have an inquiry, Tikoduadua says they saw the issue at that time needed urgent attention, even though the government had said that it was under control.

He says it was unfortunate that it ended with the debacle where he was assaulted by the former Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama outside the parliament complex.

He adds that the Prime Minister at that time had to do what he did to make his point that he objected to the motion that was defeated in Parliament.

When asked if he had undergone counselling after getting assaulted, Tikoduadua says he did not undergo any counselling sessions, and he harbours no ill feelings to what transpired then.

FEATURE NEWS
Attorney General must work closely with the GCC on reform of native land laws - President
The principle of free, prior, informed consent or the requirement for effective consultations is crucial to the reform of our laws on native land and ...
9 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Deaf respondents were among the most affected by online abuse during COVID-19 survey
Findings from the Fiji Disabled People’s Federation and the Disability Rights Fund survey show that during COVID-19, 24 percent of respondents ...
8 hours ago

$140,000 renovation project of Empower Pacific Counselling Centre aims to provide improved services
A $140,000 renovation project, funded through a donation by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has seen the soft-launch of the Empower ...
8 hours ago

People's Fiji and Next Gen Alliance Party applications released for public objection
The Fijian Elections Office has confirmed the publication of applications from two proposed political parties. Speaking to the media, Supervisor ...
9 hours ago

Tourism Fiji strengthens its engagement with operators in Vanua Levu and Taveuni
A platform for open discussion on opportunities, constraints, and pathways to improve tourism outcomes in Vanua Levu and Taveuni was the main focus ...
10 hours ago

Vou makes history as first Fijians to headline major NZ Arts Festival
A proud moment for Fiji’s creative industry is on the horizon, as Vou Dance Company prepares to make history on two of New Zealand’s major arts ...
11 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Fiji Law Society Convention 2025
There is a constant struggle that we seem to have in Fiji with upholding and respecting the rule of law, and in my view, I think it starts at the ...
16 hours ago

Tribunal case of suspended Commissioner of Corrections Dr Nakarawa
Tribunal proceedings for suspended Corrections Commissioner Dr Nakarawa are underway, focusing on allegations of misbehaviour during his tenure as ...
16 hours ago

Inspire Pacific Founder Ben Morrison and Peer Mentor Tikiko Tavualevu on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Pastor Ben Morrison and Tikiko Tavualevu on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan as they discuss Inspire Pacific’s specialised ...
1 day ago

TOP