Kalouniwai and Driti spoke to the PM about the AG

There were revelations today that former Head of RFMF Intelligence, Lieutenant Colonel Jone Kalouniwai and former Land Force Commander, Pita Driti had a meeting with Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama about the Attorney General in 2010.

Prosecution witness and current 3FIR Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Kalouniwai told the High Court in the Pita Driti trial today that he and Driti met Commodore Bainimarama at his residence in September 2010.

Kalouniwai said they briefed Commodore Bainimarama concerning reports on the Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and his alleged dealings.

He said Commodore Bainimarama told them that they need to come back with documents to prove the allegations against the Attorney General.

When questioned by defence lawyer Filimoni Vosarogo, Kalouniwai revealed that they did not have any documents and did not have any intelligence on the Attorney General’s alleged dealings.    

Kalouniwai said that the Prime Minister made it clear to them that he will not do anything unless he gets the information relating to the allegations.

He also said that Driti had told him to conduct the investigation about the Attorney General.

Kalouniwai then instructed him team to gather information about Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

He said the meeting ended abruptly with Commodore Bainimarama as they only had information from various blog sites.
 
While testifying in court today Driti also confirmed that they had met with Commodore Bainimarama in September 2010.

Driti said he briefed Commodore Bainimarama and asked for the removal of the Attorney General due to the alleged dealings.

He said Commodore Bainimarama told Driti and Kalouniwai and I quote “No, walk out” end of quote.

Driti said he was called back to Commodore Bainimarama’s residence on the following day.

Commodore Bainimarama, Brigadier General Ioane Naivalurua, Force Chaplain Major Tikinatabua and Ratu Tevita Mara were present in the meeting.

Bainimarama told Driti that he had received some information on the plan to overthrow him and the President when Bainimarama takes the trip to Sudan.

Commodore Bainimarama then told Driti to speak to Brigadier General Mohammed Aziz and take his overdue leave and remain at the quarters.

Bainimarama asked Driti to resign as Land Force Commander and as a commissioned officer after his leave comes to an end.


Story by: Vijay Narayan & Watisoni Butabua