A Land Transport Authority officer in the trial of SODELPA MP Niko Nawaikula who is charged for allegedly obtaining more than $20,000 through deception has told the Suva High Court that according to their records, Nawaikula resides in Koronivia, Nausori and as of today, his address remains the same.
It is alleged that Nawaikula gave false information regarding his residence to the then Secretary-General to Parliament, Viniana 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.
LTA Complaints and Call Centre Agent, Margaret Raleqe says they did not receive any notification for change in address by Nawaikula.
Another prosecution witness, Senior Immigration Officer with the Fiji Immigration Department, Taraivini Savou says Nawaikula's address in three separate arrival cards state that he resides in Koronivia, Nausori.
Energy Fiji Limited Credit Controller, Sharon Ali also told the court that the electricity meter at the residence in Koronivia is registered under Miliakere Nawaikula who is Nawaikula’s wife.
She says looking at the details, she can say that the location is consuming electricity and looking at the monthly bills of about $100 to $200, it is an active household.
While responding to questions by Sevuloni Valenitabua during cross examination, Ali says she cannot confirm who occupies the house but the meter holder is responsible for the meter and bills.
Earlier today, prosecution witness, Mesake Dawai who is the Acting Manager Legal for the Fijian Elections Office told the court that Nawaikula made a statutory declaration to the Fijian Elections Office which states that Nawaikula's address is 15 kilometers from the Parliament on Kings Road in Koronivia, Nausori.
He says the declaration states that Nawaikula owns a property in Koronivia with Miliakere Nawaikula, valued at $300,000.
During cross-examination, Dawai also told the court that Nawaikula had changed his address on 2nd December, 2021 to Buca Bay in Vanua Levu.
He says the form for changing the address was not provided to FICAC in 2021.
Another prosecution witness, Elenoa Waqatairewa who is the Senior Secretary for the Legal Practitioners Unit has told the court that Nawaikula's law practising certificate states his address is Koronivia, Nausori.
While being cross-examined, Waqatairewa told the court that Nawaikula also had another legal practising branch in Savusavu in 2019.
She says Nawaikula had informed the Chief Registrar through letters between 11th April and 24th April in 2019 that he had opened an office in Savusavu.
During re-examination by FICAC’s Deputy Commissioner, Rashmi Aslam, Waqatairewa says Nawaikula did not advise the Chief Registrar of any change in residence in the letters and says he also had an office in Suva during this time.
She adds if Nawaikula was opening an office in Savusavu and was changing his address, he was required to inform the Chief Registrar regarding the change in residence.
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.
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