Former SODELPA MP Simione Rasova has been given until April 24th to find a new counsel to run his trial where he is charged by FICAC.
Rasova is charged with one count each of giving false information to a public servant and obtaining a financial advantage.
It is alleged that on February 14th in 2019, he provided false information to the Acting Secretary-General to Parliament regarding his permanent place of residence, claiming it to be Nasenivolau, Nabouwalu Village, Ono, Kadavu, in order to obtain allowance payments amounting to $21,350.
Counsel Tomasi Tuitoga informed the court that he is representing Rasova until he finds a new counsel.
He says Rasova approached Barbara Malimali and another counsel but Malimali refused for obvious reasons while the other counsel is with the Office of the Attorney General now.
FICAC Counsel Josann Pene did not have any objection to giving Rasova more time as he has a right to counsel.
However, she says he needs to abide by the timeline and find a counsel before their next court date.
Magistrate Joseph Daurewa says this is a 2021 matter and needs to be expedited and dealt with this year.
The matter has been adjourned to April 24th.
