Bring it on!

That’s the response from Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama following complaints lodged by Leader of Opposition Sitiveni Rabuka, with the Police and Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).

Mr Bainimarama said the investigation into the complaints would allow Fijians to get to know the type of person Mr Rabuka was.

“A lot of people are not privy to what transpired in 2000, especially his participation in the first couple of days and the events during the November 2, 2000, mutiny at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks,” he said.

“I say bring it on. This is a wonderful opportunity to open the investigation reports and let the public know the type of man Rabuka really is.”

Mr Rabuka, in a press conference held yesterday, said he lodged a report to FICAC on matters relating to donations to political parties.

The complaints

He said the report to the Police was about the speech Mr Bainimarama gave at the 20 years commemoration of the mutiny on November 2, 2020.

“The possibility of statement amounting to inciting animosity or distrust between groups in the society bearing in mind the military and Police are there to look after every citizen,” Mr Rabuka said.

“He could be inciting and his statement can be taken as seditious remarks because it could generate some feeling within the institutions.”

On November 2, 2000 a group of rebel soldiers from the Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit, led by Captain Shane Stevens, attempted to depose the then military Commander, Mr Bainimarama. It left four dead and a total of 42 soldiers from the CRW were convicted of involvement in the mutiny.

Mr Bainimarama then publicly made statements about the involvement of Mr Rabuka. Mr Bainimarama had said that while the revolt was in progress, Mr Rabuka had visited the barracks with his army uniform in the car, ready to take over command of the army.

Mr Bainimarama’s statement was supported by Lieutenant Colonel Viliame Seruvakula, who led the counter offensive to put down the mutiny.

Mr Rabuka has denied the claims.

He pointed to a court decision clearing him of inciting the mutiny.

For the FICAC complaint, Mr Rabuka said he exercised his right as a citizen and holder of a constitutional office, and lodged the complaints so that donations could be investigated on who could make the donation and what amount could be given.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

Feedback: shalveen.chand@fijisun.com.fj