Tui Namosi and SODELPA MP Ratu Suliano Matanitobua will not take stand in the trial where he is charged for allegedly stating that his permanent place of residence was in Namosi Village and allegedly obtained $38,378.22 between August 2019 and April 2020.
This has been confirmed by Ratu Suliano's lawyer Filimoni Vosarogo who says the defence will be producing two witnesses this afternoon.
Meanwhile, the last FICAC witness told the court that according to the Vola ni Kawa Bula, Ratu Suliano is the Head of Tikina Veivatuloa in Namosi.
Apimeleki Dola who is the Principal Administration Officer at the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs and is also in charge of the VKB says five generations ago, Ratu Suliano's family left the Namosi Tikina and moved to Veivatuloa.
He also told the court that Ratu Suliano owns the Tikina of Veivatuloa in the Yavusa of Nabukebuke.
While being cross-examined by Vosarogo, Dola agreed with him that Ratu Suliano now lives in Veivatuloa but his family's Yavu or the foundation of their home is in Namosi Village.
He also says according to the VKB, Ratu Suliano is the Turaga na Tui Yavusa, Turaga na Mataqali and the Turaga na iTaukei of the Province of Namosi.
Dola further says Ratu Suliano is the Tui Namosi and the Vunivalu of Namosi.
The prosecution has rested their case.
Ratu Suliano is charged with a count each of Giving False Information to a Public Servant and Obtaining Financial Advantage.
The trial continues in the Suva High Court.
The court room was packed with Ratu Suliano's supporters this morning.
Ratu Suliano met with some of them outside court.
