Suva High Court Judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe ruled that Aseri Vakaloloma and Nacanieli Bulisea of Vakaloloma and Associates will have to appear in court this morning.
During the trial of FICAC and the seven former employees of the Public Works Department and a private company director, the court was told that the sole proprietor of Vakaloloma and Associates, Vakaloloma and Bulisea have not renewed their legal practicing license.
Vakaloloma is the counsel for four accused persons in the trial.
Justice Rajasinghe stated to Bulisea that he now considers him and Vakaloloma as ordinary citizens.
He said that the court will undertake legal action if the two do not follow the order.
The court noted that Vakaloloma has not been involved in the case since the beginning for the trial.
The judge then informed the senior counsel from the Legal Practitioner’s Unit, Avneel Chand to look into the matter and inform the court on what actions can be taken against Vakaloloma.
Chand informed the court that they will investigate the matter which can lead to possible charges against Vakaloloma.
Chand asked the court registry to make a formal complaint to the Legal Practitioners Unit.
FICAC State Counsel, Rashmi Aslam informed the court that it shows that Vakaloloma has no interest in serving his clients or court.
Justice Rajasinghe also advised the four accused persons represented by Vakaloloma to seek legal advice and get new counsels or choose to represent themselves.
The matter has been adjourned to tomorrow morning for Vakaloloma and Bulisea to explain to the court of their stand after which the judge will deliver his decision on the matter.
Ana Laqere, Tavenisa Tavaga, Amelia Vunisea, Laisa Halafi Vaciseva Lagai, Vilisi Tuitavuki and Kiniviliame Taviriki are the former workers of the PWD.
They are jointly charged with 10 counts of abuse of office, 35 counts of causing a loss and two counts of obtaining a financial advantage.
