National Federation Party President and parliamentarian Pio Tikoduadua says they were not running away from their responsibility when they walked out of parliament this morning.
He says to the best of his knowledge and ability walking out of parliament was the best decision to make.
Tikoduadua and fellow NFP parliamentarian Lenora Qereqeretabua walked out of parliament today after their motion that Parliament agrees to amend the Sugar Industry Amendment Act 2015 to facilitate the conduct of elections for the Sugar Cane Growers Council was removed from today’s order paper.
NFP Leader Biman Prasad did not attend the parliament sittings this week because he is on medical leave.
Tikoduadua says they went back in after a few minutes so it was not about evading anything at all.
The NFP President says they will write to the Speaker of Parliament and highlight their concerns.
Tikoduadua says they know the people have understood what they watched in parliament today.
In his ruling on the motion by Tikoduadua, Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said a motion on its authority cannot amend or repeal primary legislation and the authority and power to make laws is vested in Parliament and the President.
Ratu Epeli says such power is exercised through an enactment of bills passed by Parliament and assented by the President.
He says the constitution and the standing orders set out clear processes through which laws may be amended or repealed.
ADVERTISEMENT
