The Independent Legal Services Commission has been given time to review charges against SODELPA Member of Parliament and lawyer, Niko Nawaikula.

Nawaikula, has been charged with professional misconduct by the Chief Registrar through the Legal Practitioners Unit.

It is alleged that Nawaikula did not obtain the necessary approval from the members of the mataqali (clan) Nabukebuke in Namosi to facilitate the formation of a trust deed.

Not seeking the approval of the clan represented a substantial failure on Nawaikula’s part to reach or maintain a reasonable standard of competence and diligence in this matter.

He appeared before Commissioner Justice Daniel Goundar in the Independent Legal Services Commission yesterday.

The context of the current charge against Nawaikula was that he prepared a mataqali trust deed for the conduct of affairs of the mataqali and for the disbursement of trust monies received from iTaukei Land Trusts Board.

The trust deed is dated May 6, 2009.

The deed prescribed certain administrative procedures to be followed and roles of the trustees generally, among other duties, which allegedly were not followed.

Nawaikula will front the Commission again on September 4, on the above charges. This was not the first time the MP has been charged for professional misconduct.

Yesterday, the Legal Practitioner’s Unit lawyer, Tui Kilakila, told the commission that on the last occasion, the commission was advised of a possible amended charge, however, it was not filed as yet.

Mr Kilakila sought time to review Mr Nawaikula’s charge.

Commissioner Justice Goundar granted time to the Legal Practitioner’s Unit. The matter has been adjourned for mention on October 5.

Edited by Selita Bolanavanua

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