A reverend is saying that the Methodist Church of Fiji was hiding some critical information when they had approached Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama to open their bazaar.
Reverend Josefa Tikonatabua was part of the church’s delegation tasked to ask the Prime Minister to be part of their bazaar.
He says that when they had gone to meet the Prime Minister the delegation that was with him hid the fact that Rabuka was also asked to close the church bazaar.
He says that when the Prime Minister found out about this he had called Reverend Tikonatabua and told him that the church was playing a dirty game.
Reverend Tikonatabua says when they had approached the Prime Minister earlier he had agreed to give about $100,000 for the new frontage of Lelean Memorial School which was what they were fundraising for.
He says it looks bad on the church’s side as government and opposition can never be the same.
Meanwhile the Methodist Church Secretary of Communications Reverend Wilfred Regunamada believes that having government and opposition to take part in their bazaar is fair because their congregation is made up of people that have different political preferences.
Regunamada says the Prime Minister is not going to be part of their bazaar which is scheduled for 10th August as he will be busy during this time.
He says the church does not want to know the reasons why the Prime Minister does not want to come as all they did was just invite Bainimarama.
Regunamada says this was a known fact for them for two months now and they had also confirmed that a member of the Opposition will be opening their function.
He also says that it is up to Rabuka if he wants to call on his friends to help him as he will be opening the church bazaar.
Rabuka makes statement on PM feeling unable to honor the Methodist Church of Fiji (Tuesday 30/07/2019)
SODELPA Leader Sitiveni Rabuka has said in a statement that it is unfortunate that the Prime Minister felt that he could not in good faith honor the Methodist Church of Fiji invitation when he learnt that Rabuka was invited to close the church’s fundraising bazaar.
Rabuka says he assures the Prime Minister that he was not aware that Bainimarama was invited to open the bazaar, but Rabuka says he is honored that he is considered a worthy replacement for the Prime Minister.
The SODELPA Leader says he assures the Prime Minister that there is no intention to compete in terms of the fundraising, as they are all invited to give freely from their heart what they are comfortable giving, bearing in mind other obligations and responsibilities.
Rabuka says on his part, he is looking forward to opening the bazaar. He says as a lay preacher, and choir member, the bazaar is an annual highlight for him and he is pleased to be given the honor to open the bazaar.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is yet to comment.
By: Vijay Narayan
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