PM accepts Takayawa's apology and says he will not unilaterally sever the Coalition Agreement with SODELPA

Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka confirms he will not unilaterally sever the Coalition Agreement with SODELPA as it was the product of a tripartite negotiation, which he as Party Leader of one of the coalition cannot do without a collective decision of his Party.

When asked by fijivillage News, Rabuka says he accepts SODELPA General Secretary, Viliame Takayawa’s personal apology and his apology as General Secretary and also very much appreciate his good wishes for all mothers in Fiji on Mothers’ Day Sunday.

The Prime Minister says Fiji is too small a nation to be saying unkind words about people, so we need to focus more on things that unite us rather than those that threaten our reunifications after our political turmoil over the past four decades.

Rabuka says Takayawa may not be aware that his maternal roots in Naila, Dravo, Tailevu are very close to the Prime Minister's late mother’s roots in Dravo, Tailevu, home of Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica.

Rabuka says Takayawa's apologies and his acceptance on behalf of the Governing Coalition during this time of National Truth and Reconciliation add reminders for us all as Fijians, celebrating Girmit Day Holiday tomorrow, and looking forward to the national holiday of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day of the need to promote unity and harmonious relations at home as we pursue the Concept of Pacific as the Ocean of Peace to the World.

Viliame Takayawa has today extended his sincere apologies to Prime Minister Rabuka, to the Government of Fiji, to their coalition partners, and to the people of Fiji, for any offence, embarrassment, or disruption his recent remarks may have caused.

Takayawa says he also offers his sincerest apologies to the official delegation to Tonga, and in particular to Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica and to Tanya Waqanika, for any unintended slight or discredit brought upon their official work and representation.

He says he writes today with deep regret and a solemn acknowledgment of responsibility regarding his public commentary on the Government's trade mission to the Kingdom of Tonga.

Takayawa says upon sincere reflection, he acknowledges that the statement he made was inappropriate in both tone and medium.

He adds it was an error in judgement on his part to publicly express concerns that should have been addressed through internal coalition mechanisms and in consultation with the relevant stakeholders.

Takayawa says his actions did not uphold the standards of conduct expected of a person holding office in a governing political party, nor were they in the spirit of collective leadership and responsibility that is foundational to their coalition.

Takayawa further acknowledges and accepts the directive of the Party Leader, Aseri Radrodro, under whose instruction the social media post has been removed.

He also submits fully to the Party's decision that this matter be addressed at the next meeting of the Working Committee.

Aseri Radrodro said yesterday that in light of the sensitivities involved and in recognition of their responsibilities as a partner within the coalition government, he formally directed Viliame Takayawa to remove the social media post which he has explained that he did in his personal capacity.

Radrodro says this directive has been carried out.

He stresses the matter will be addressed thoroughly at their next scheduled meeting of the Party’s Working Committee, where it will be reviewed within the bounds of their Constitution and internal governance protocols.

The SODELPA Leader says with respect to SODELPA’s role in the coalition: they remain humbled that they were able to use their numbers to bring about the change the people wanted which has restored true democracy and freedom to our multicultural and multi racial nation.

Radrodro says they will not be deterred from their core mission as per the request of the late Na Gone Turaga Na Qaranivalu, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, the Party Founder, to remain with the coalition till the end of its term and to advance the aspirations of all their people, particularly the protection and empowerment of the iTaukei and the collective consideration of the needs of all the citizens who deserve respect, dignity of life and peaceful coexistence in a stable and progressive Fiji.