Analysis:

Adi Litia Qionibaravi is no stranger to controversies.

In the short time she has entered the political arena she has been calm under pressure.

The lawyer and former senior civil servant has been a key figure in the reforms that have transformed the party despite stiff opposition from some quarters.

In her own unique way she has developed a resilience to counter internal and external opposition.

The latest attack on her from Suva and Lami constituencies over the interview process to appoint a national treasurer comes as no surprise.

Governance

About this time last year, Adi Litia was facing a motion from the Naitasiri Constituency, to have her removed as general secretary over governance issues. The motion was thrown out.

In the 2014 General Election, Adi Litia was seen accompanying Ro Teimumu Kepa in campaign meetings. But the two drifted apart after the election.

Adi Litia joined a group of reformers, mostly from Vanua Levu, who wanted to lift the party’s performance in preparation for the 2018 General Election.

The exposure of the controversial  Gaunavinaka Report gave the “reformers” the impetus to pursue the reforms.

Responsibility

The report was critical of Ro Teimumu’s leadership as the then Opposition leader and the administration of the Opposition Office after an audit. No one has claimed responsibility for that report.

The reforms were only possible if the party constitution was amended to legitimise the changes sought.

Adi Litia helped draft the amended constitution which was later passed by a special general meeting. Sweeping changes were approved.

One of them was for the party leader to relinquish the role after the party loses an election.  Ro Teimumu subsequently stepped down as party leader despite protests from her camp that the changes were rushed through without proper consultation and debate.

With the support of Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu and some of the senior party executives, she has grown in her advisory role to a point where she is respected and taken seriously by the party hierarchy.

Established

Her decision to contest the 2018 General Election came as a surprise to many who thought she would continue her role as general secretary.

Besides, under  party rules she would have to go back to base in Tailevu North where then sitting MP Jiosefa Dulakiverata was already established. They are both from Verata, Ucunivanua.

She fought all the odds and won her seat. Mr Dulakiverata failed to retain his seat.

Although he has not publicly spoken out it is understood that he was not happy because his voters were confused who to vote for.

His grievance is similar to that of former MP and a party founder Mere Samisoni in Lami. Ms Samisoni had claimed the party undermined her chances of winning.

Those issues have been investigated by independent arbiter Mesake Nawari. Adi Litia has confirmed Mr Nawari has completed his report which will be tabled at the management board meeting tomorrow in Savusavu.

Questions

Mr Nawari had also looked at a petition by Youth president Jope Koroisavou who had asked a raft of questions about governance issues regarding accountability and transparency.

Adi Litia would be answering those questions because the issues came up during her watch.

It will be one of her final acts before she bows out as general secretary..
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