Namosimalua tells court Nawaikula was not originally suspected to have lived in Suva and claimed allowances

The former Secretary-General to Parliament, Viniana Namosimalua has revealed in the trial of SODELPA MP, Niko Nawaikula that he was not originally part of the group of MPs that was suspected to have lived in Suva and claimed allowances.

It is alleged that Nawaikula gave false information about his residence to Namosimalua 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 also stated in court that she wrote to the Solicitor General at that time seeking legal advice as it came to her attention that some MPs were claiming allowances that they were not entitled to.

When questioned by FICAC’s Deputy Commissioner, Rashmi Aslam on what she thought at that time when she made the findings, Namosimalua says she was disturbed as these were members of parliament and it was becoming very clear that some things were not submitted truthfully.

When Aslam further questioned Namosimalua on what she thinks now of all the allowances claimed made by Nawaikula after looking at the travel scenario presented by prosecution in court today, Namosimalua says she is disappointed as she has always trusted Nawaikula.

Namosimalua also told the court that she would not have proceeded and signed Nawaikula’s claims if she would have noticed he was claiming what he was not entitled to.

During cross examination, Nawaikula’s lawyer, Sevuloni Valenitabua asked Namosimalua whether anyone told Nawaikula that he had wrongly claimed his allowances from 2019 to 2020. The former Secretary-General to Parliament says that never happened according to her knowledge.

Valenitabua then asked Namosimalua if Nawaikula was entitled to the allowances that he was claiming for as an MP who lived in Buca Village. She says Nawaikula was entitled to the allowances.

The trial continues in the Suva High Court tomorrow.

Nawaikula is charged with one count of Giving False Information to a Public Servant and one count of Obtaining Financial Advantage.

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.