SODELPA’s Suva Constituency President and others seek $10,000 in costs from Ro Filipe, Adi Litia and Waqatairewa after they abandon their appeal

SODELPA’s Suva Constituency President Watisoni Nata and others are now seeking $10,000 in costs incurred for the case brought up by Ro Filipe Tuisawau, Adi Litia Qionibaravi and Usaia Waqatairewa instead of the previous sum of $6,000, however, Ro Filipe, Adi Litia and Waqatairewa are seeking to pay no cost or a reasonable cost of $1,500 should the court rule they have to pay.

The matter was called before High Court Judge Justice Vishwa Dutt Sharma.

The lawyer representing Nata and others, Romanu Vananalagi told the court they were now seeking $10,000 in costs incurred for all court appearances for this matter as they were not informed until yesterday that the matter was being withdrawn.

Simione Valenitabua Snr who is representing Ro Filipe, Adi Litia and Waqatairewa today told the court that no costs should be incurred in this matter as their application in the Court of Appeal had been abandoned on the 19th of last month as they had failed to pay the security of costs set by the Chief Registrar within the given time frame.

Valenitabua Snr made a submission that no costs should be awarded to both parties and they should pay their own costs.

He also said if the court does award costs then a reasonable sum of $1,500 should be given.

Vananalagi, however, argued that they had been kept in the dark until the last minute that the matter was being withdrawn and now seek $10,000 in costs.

The matter was set for hearing today.

SODELPA’s Suva Constituency President Watisoni Nata, SODELPA’s Youth Wing President, Jope Koroisavou, the party’s Vice President of the Women’s Forum, Doctor Mere Samisoni, the party’s Secretary of the Women’s Forum, Emele Duituturaga, SODELPA Women’s Wing Lami President, Kesaia Makita and the party’s Lami Youth executive, Asenaca Ravulo had earlier taken legal action against the party executives, and the High Court had ruled in their favour.

The case will be called next Thursday for the ruling.

Meanwhile Nata says that transparency, good governance and accountability is what they fought for and they are pleased with the High Court ruling and also the decision taken by Ro Filipe, Adi Litia and Waqatairewa to withdraw their appeal.

Nata says that all parties in this matter should now come forward and unite for the people.