Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed that Manoa Kamikamica will be reappointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Commerce, Trade and Communications, with his swearing-in expected today.
Rabuka says Kamikamica would return to a portfolio that is close to his heart and that the appointment had only been delayed because the necessary paperwork was not ready.
He says Kamikamica has come out a better and stronger person, been through the mill, and he is sure he is very happy with the outcome.
The Prime Minister also addressed speculation about the future leadership of the People’s Alliance Party, revealing that he has long regarded Kamikamica as his heir.
When asked about rumours that Kamikamica had been investigated because he was seen as a potential challenger for the party leadership, Rabuka dismissed the suggestion.
He says taking over from him has got nothing to do with and he can give it to him, stressing that he is ready and it does not have to be a scheme or a conspiracy.
He said this had always been the understanding since the formation of the People’s Alliance Party.
Rabuka also says while he remains confident about leading the party into the next general election, he is not taking victory for granted, adding they still have a lot of work to do.
Meanwhile, Rabuka has continued to defend Lavi Rokoika’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner, stating that the status quo would remain while legal proceedings continue.
When questioned by fijivillage News that Rokoika’s appointment was not through the Judicial Services Commission and the Constitution, Rabuka says the issue is currently before the courts and he would not interfere with the judicial process.
When questioned on the amount of taxpayers’ money spent on the Commission of Inquiry and that nobody has been held accountable, Rabuka stressed that it is worth it.
He adds that the very fact that people know if they do something questionable, they will be subjected to the Government’s investigative agencies is worthwhile.
