The former Secretary-General to Parliament, Viniana Namosimalua has revealed in the trial of SODELPA MP, Niko Nawaikula that they received a letter from Nawaikula on 9th April 2019 stating that his address from 1st March, 2019 has been Buca Village in Buca Bay, Vanua Levu.
It is alleged that Nawaikula gave false information about his residence to the then Secretary-General to Parliament while claiming for parliamentary allowances.
Nawaikula allegedly falsely stated that his permanent place of residence was in Buca village, Buca Bay and allegedly obtained $20,201.35 between August 2019 and April 2020.
Namosimalua says on 17th April, 2019, they received letters from Buca Village Turaga-ni-Koro and the landlord of the office that Nawaikula was renting in Savusavu. She says they also received a letter from Nawaikula which was addressed to the Legal Practitioners Unit.
The former Secretary-General to Parliament says the letter from the Turaga-ni-Koro stated that Nawaikula resided in Buca Village, the landlord confirmed Nawaikula was a tenant in the building in Savusavu and the letter to the LPU had stated Nawaikula had opened a his law practicing office in Savusavu.
She says no utility bills were provided.
When questioned by FICAC Deputy Commissioner, Rashmi Aslam if she accepted the letters, Namosimalua says the letters were accepted and she was satisfied with it as Members of Parliament have signed declarations and have taken oath in Parliament.
Namosimalua also told the court the payment process to MPs begin when claim forms are filled by the MPs. She says the Opposition administration officer will then certify the claims after which it will come to the Secretary General's Office where two officials will then check the claims and refer it to the Secretary General for clearance.
She further says once cleared, the claims will then go to the Finance Unit who will call her if there are any changes and she always told the Unit to carry out what needs to be done.
While responding to questions by Aslam if the two officials in her office scrutinized every detail provided by the MPs, she says they would have to.
When asked if she would scrutinize every detail, Namosimalua says she does not think she would be able to do it as she does not have the forensic know-how.
Namosimalua says she would see that the requirements such as receipts, travel documents and other supporting documents are met.
The trial continues in the Suva High Court.
Meanwhile, FICAC has also charged SODELPA MPs Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, Salote Radrodro, Simione Rasova, Peceli Vosanibola and Adi Litia Qionibaravi and former FijiFirst MP Vijendra Prakash with a count of Giving False Information to a Public Servant and one count each of Obtaining Financial Advantage.
