SODELPA Party Leader Sitiveni Rabuka has reiterated that it would be the call of the party members to come together in reconciliation for the sake of the Opposition Leader, Ro Teimumu Kepa.
Responding to questions related to the controversial Gaunavinaka Report, Mr Rabuka said Ro Teiumumu’s decision to stand in the coming general election could be questioned.
The Gaunavinaka Report had split the party into two whereby the rival group was led by lawyer Mosese Bulitavu.
It was then understood that Ro Teimumu was reluctant to stand again because of what she went through over the last four years.
And, if she were to stand again she would want to see a reconciliation in the party.
Mr Rabuka said: “Yes, she has told me that. But I had no part in the Gaunavinaka Report at the time leading up to the compilation and, also what transpired after.
“It is up to those who were in the party at that time to be reconciled to one another.”
And, also the grievances of those members of the party who were still disgruntled about the event that emanated from the Gaunavinaka Report.
Mr Rabuka, however, revealed that a disgruntled group wanted something done within 21 days…whereby a letter not substantively addressed to him but to the party president Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, was handed.
“It’s left to the president of the party to answer to that. I believe he has responded but has not instructed me what to do. I get my orders from the management board under the party president,’’ Mr Rabuka said.
“I am not an executive officer in the running of the party but when the management board under the president decides on things to be done I execute. I carry out the tasks. It’s up to them to direct.”
He said the party was running short of time and was yet to decide when they would finalise their list of remaining candidates.
“Before we determine or I determine when to ask the selection panel to sit, I will have to ask the Honourable Ro Teimumu Kepa.
“We are going to have the last interviews and if ‘you’ intend to stand with the party, now is the time to come in.
“Because if we do not get her application or formal notification that she wants to stand in the party, we may fill the 51 candidates positions.”
Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu could not be reached for comments when this paper went to print and party general secretary Adi Litia Qionibaravi did not respond to emails and phone calls.