The Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday in Parliament paid condolences to Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi.

“I, on behalf of the Government and the FijiFirst Party also offer our condolences on the passing of a great man of Fiji,” he said.

Mr Bainimarama said Ratu Joni was the Vice-President of Fiji after the 2000 events.

He said Ratu Joni tried to work a way out to maintain unity in Fiji.

Mr Bainimarama said he believed rights for all races to be equal.

National Federation Party leader, Biman Prasad said Fiji had lost a great man.

Suruj Sharma, of Patel Sharma Lawyers, said: “Ratu started his legal career in A-G’s office as Crown Counsel in early 80s with me.

“To my mind…he was the embodiment of the highest standards of intellectual and ethical values amongst us all. His common touch, humility, and love for Fiji and all its people and his passion and pursuit for justice and human rights will remain his lasting legacy.”

Nauru’s President Baron Waqa says the country’s late Chief Justice Joni Madraiwiwi re-established honour to Nauru’s court.

Edited by Maraia Vula

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