The late former Vice President and Roko Tui Bau, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi will be accorded state funeral on the island of Bau this Friday.
This has been confirmed by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
Bainimarama also confirms that the government will present its i-reguregu on Thursday morning.
In a statement, the Prime Minister says that Fiji has lost a distinguished citizen and leader with the passing of our former Vice President.
Bainimarama says Ratu Joni served as a judge and a Vice President.
He says Ratu Joni was a man who struggled honestly to help Fiji come to terms with the issues of equality that Fiji has embraced.
Bainimarama extends his deepest sympathies to Ratu Joni’s wife Adi Lusiana, to all of his loved ones and to the vanua, and offers his gratitude on behalf of the Fijian people and the government for the dedication and service Ratu Joni gave to our nation.
He says Ratu Joni served his country and maintained a humanitarian spirit throughout his life.
Bainimarama says Ratu Joni used his influence to be a voice for the issues and challenges facing ordinary Fijians.
The Prime Minister says in honouring Ratu Joni, we must strive to extend and protect those values of respect, justice, fairness and equality that he valued.
Ratu Joni will be laid to rest at the chiefly burial ground in Bau on Friday after the church service at 10am.
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