Joseph Nitya Nand relieved of his responsibilities by PM

Joseph Nitya Nand has been relieved of his responsibilities as the Assistant Minister for Education, effective from today.

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.

Sayed-Khaiyum 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.

He 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.