Opposition Man Who Backed His Paramount Chief

SODELPA Member of Parliament Mo­sese Bulitavu once again made no surprises on Friday when he became the lone Opposition MP to support the move to elect Ratu Wiliame Katonivere as the President.

Mr Bulitavu has been known to go against Opposition Party lines in support of Gov­ernments motions.

Ratu Wiliame is Mr Bulitavu’s provincial paramount chief, the Tui Macuata.

Nominated by the FijiFirst Government in a special Parliament sitting, Ratu Wil­iame was elected as the nation’s new Head of State through a secret ballot where all Members of Parliament were present in the House to cast their vote.

Opposition parties Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) and National Federation Party (NFP) nominated Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Vuikaba Kepa, for the presidential role.

Ratu Wiliame secured 28 votes while Ro Teimumu collected 23.

Outside Parliament, chiefs from the three provinces in Vanua Levu expressed their support and appreciation on the appoint­ment of Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame.

This was also backed by the Tui Nadi Ratu Vuniyani Navuniuci.

From Naduri village in Macuata, Ratu Wiliame became the first Chief from his province to be elected as President.

Macuata: Tui Nadogo

From the Macuata Province, Tui Nadogo Ratu Ilisaniti Malodali congratulated Ratu Wiliame on his new appointment.

In a phone conversation, Ratu Ilisaniti said he expressed his full support to Ratu Wiliame and wished him well as he was the first from the province of Macuata to take up the presidency post.

Bua: Tui Kubulau

In Bua, Tui Kubulau, Ratu Ravulolo Vas­ukilau said they were happy with the ap­pointment of the newly elected President of Fiji. Ratu Ravulolo said they fully sup­ported his appointment and they are proud of their vasu ‘maternal lineage’ for reach­ing a high position in Government.

Cakaudrove: Tui Wailevu

In Cakaudrove, Tui Wailevu Ratu Jovesa Maivalili in giving his well-wishers to the newly elected President said it is their prayer that he will lead the country with genuine righteousness and justice and the appointment of leaders is from God.

Viti Levu: Tui Nadi

In Viti Levu, Turaga na Tui Nadi, Ratu Vuniyani Navuniuci said he was delighted and grateful for the appointment of the Macuata Chief.

“I fully supported the nomination of Tui Macuata. I am delighted and grateful to hear that he was elected as the President of the State.”

When contacted yesterday, opposition nominee, SODELPA Member of Parlia­ment and chief of the Burebasaga Confed­eracy Ro Teimumu Kepa declined to com­ment on the appointment of Ratu Wiliame.

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