Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama says he knows that SODELPA Leader, Sitiveni Rabuka had a hidden agenda in trying to be a statesman by wanting Bainimarama to reconcile with National Federation Party President, Pio Tikoduadua.
Speaking after appearing before the Parliamentary Privileges Committee, Bainimarama says he made it clear to Rabuka, Ro Teimumu Kepa, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu and Ratu Suliano Matanitobua that the matter is already being handled by the Speaker of Parliament.
Bainimarama says Rabuka’s ploy did not even work as the NFP Leader did not even know what was happening.
Rabuka has said in a statement that he will not divulge the results of his meeting with the Prime Minister or Tikoduadua. He says they will make their own statements to the Privileges Committee. However, he says he remains hopeful for a resolution to this unfortunate incident.
Rabuka said on Tuesday that he met separately with the Prime Minister and Pio Tikoduadua, and attempted reconciliation between the two.
Rabuka says you can take the horses to the water but you cannot make them drink. He says it is up to Bainimarama and Tikoduadua to reconcile their differences.
Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau had earlier revealed that Bainimarama had gone to him in the afternoon of August 9th and apologized to him and parliament, and also wanted to apologize to Tikoduadua in the presence of the Speaker. Ratu Epeli had revealed that Tikoduadua had told the Speaker that he was not available for the meeting.
Bainimarama appeared before the committee looking into the recent privilege matter involving Bainimarama and National Federation Party President and MP, Pio Tikoduadua.
Chairperson, Veena Bhatnagar, Inia Seruiratu, Doctor Mahendra Reddy, Alvick Maharaj, Mosese Bulitavu and Adi Litia Qionibaravi are part of the committee.
The Speaker has told the committee to come back with their report and recommendations by today.
Parliament is then expected to debate on the Privileges Committee report before a vote is taken.
ADVERTISEMENT
