Opposition whip Ratu Isoa Tikoca is expected to take his plea next month.

He appeared yesterday at the Suva Magistrates Court charged by the Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption (FICAC) for failing to declare his liabilities before the 2014 General Elections.

Tikoca failed to declare his liabilities contrary to Section 24 (2) (a) (viii) and section 24(5) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Decree No. 4 of 2013.

It is alleged that between August 20-25, 2014, upon his nomination by the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) as a candidate for the 2014 election, he failed to declare the liability and the amount of the liability to the Registrar, the Permanent Secretary Responsible for Elections, that he had incurred to the Government of Fiji, during his tenure as Fiji’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea.

Yesterday FICAC served further disclosures upon request from his lawyer Faizal Koya, who acknowledged receipt, and requested for further time to go through them before his client takes a plea.

Magistrate Makereta Mua adjourned the matter to September 18 for plea. Bail has been extended for Tikoca.

Feedback : farisha.ahmed@fijisun.com.fj