FijiFirst Party Leader Voreqe Bainimarama says he has heard that a church pastor is preaching around in Bua saying that secular state is to push our God away and he would not be surprised if he goes to hell, they will all follow while National Federation Party Leader Professor Biman Prasad says Bainimarama should not attack our religious leaders and tell them they are going to hell.
While speaking during a FijiFirst rally in Vanua Levu, Bainimarama says he wants to tell people that they are hearing the topic about religion again.
He say we all know that secular state is in the 2013 Constitution.
Bainimarama says secular states means that you can choose whatever religion you want and the government will not stop you from choosing your religion.
The FFP Leader says it has been eight years since we have our Constitution, and asked whether some of the people pushed their God away or changed their religion.
He further says some pastors do not want other religions to be amongst us including Muslims, Hindus and only want Christians in Fiji.
Bainimarama says we cannot do that and our country will allow all religions and races.
He says they as Christians should just serve our God and stop gossiping.
While responding to Bainimarama's comments, Professor Prasad says FijiFirst General Secretary Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum attacks bhajaniyas and Bainimarama attacks talatalas.
He says when he talks about issues such as the secular state, he must be calm and sensible.
Professor Prasad says all of us want racial and religious tolerance but do not bully and insult people.
He says the FijiFirst Party has resorted to despicable and shameful tactics to win votes by deliberately avoiding talking about the real isues.
He says they have become berserk after realising they are clutching at straws.
Professor Prasad asks what is wrong with the FijiFirst Party leaders, what is wrong with FijiFirst and why aren’t they talking about real issues like leadership, the economy, like water in the taps and fixing our schools and hospitals.
The NFP Leader also asks why aren’t they coming into the studios to debate the opposition parties on these issues.
He adds they should listen, be humble, even when they disagree with others’ views as a good leader uses persuasion and patience and NFP will listen before they act and consult before they decide.
