The Fiji Court of Appeal has given time to former lawyer and SODELPA Member of Parliament, Niko Nawaikula to engage a new counsel.

Nawaikula has been handed an imprisonment term of 36 months. He is ordered to serve 24 months in prison while the remaining 12 months is suspended for five years.

Nawaikula stands convicted for a count of obtaining a financial advantage and of giving false information to a public servant.

Nawaikula was charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with the allegations to have falsely stated that his permanent place of residence was in Buca Village, Buca Bay, and allegedly obtained $20,201.35 between August 2019 and April 2020.

Nawaikula breached the Parliamentary Remuneration Act of 2014 when he claimed travel and accommodation allowances, which he was not entitled to.

In court yesterday, Nawaikula informed the court that he was yet to engage a counsel.

He said he had spoken to two to three lawyers, but was yet to finalise for legal representation.

Nawaikula asked the court to grant him time until December as he could be released from Prison then, however, Appeals Judge, Justice Chandana Prematilaka said the court could not grant such time as the court had to proceed with the case.

He ordered Nawaikula to file his submissions by July 6 and respondent to file the submissions by August 10.

The matter will be called for mention on August 14.

Story by: ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj