ANALYSIS: SODELPA general secretary Adi Litia Qionibaravi is emerging as the central figure in a gang of four.

The four are president, suspended Member of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Adi Litia, Whip Salote Radrodro and deputy Whip Mosese Bulitavu.

Adi Litia is the only official authorised to release official information to the SODELPA MPs and the media.

It is believed that the contentious letter signed by Ratu Naiqama and sent to all MPs about the allowance hike was written in full consultation with Adi Litia.

As a lawyer and experienced administrator, she was the architect behind the party’s amended constitution. The new document contains sweeping changes designed to position the party for the 2018 general election.

It strengthened the power of the party president and redefined the roles of officials and the relations between the parliamentary caucus and party headquarters.

For instance, the party president under the party’s Constitution has the oversight of all Party matters including strategic governance especially when the Management Board is unable to meet.

Ratu Naiqama had used this power to write to the MPs on the morning of the vote on the allowance hike. He gave a directive that MPs should oppose the motion. But the MPs, who had made up their mind in caucus to vote for the allowance hike defied the directive.

Only Mr Bulitavu and Mrs Radrodro were outside when the vote was taken so they did not vote.  But they said they took a principled stand. They respected the party directive.

Party leader Sitiveni Rabuka was hesitant to talk and referred all queries to Adi Litia.

The SODELPA official position remains: internal consultations are ongoing   and party members and supporters will be informed by the general secretary when there are updates to be made.

Mr Bulitavu had said he was taking a “principled” stand and that “no one was above the party.”

Whether he will also take the same “principled” stand and not accept the allowance like his colleagues from the National Federation Party is yet to be known.

Mrs Radrodro said yesterday her issue was that an independent committee should have reviewed the allowance increase.

She also termed the increase as “hardly noticeable.”

An example would be the parliamentary committee allowance which has jumped from $80 to $200 a sitting.

She refused to comment on whether she will follow in the footsteps of the NFP pair.

At the moment it seems Mr Rabuka is caught in the middle trying to be the peacemaker in a still divided party.

Edited by Maraia Vula

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