Trial Date Set for Nawaikula
This case was in relation to August 2021, when he was removed from Parliament for using the name that’s not written in his birth certificate.
Thursday 05 September 2024 | 17:18
From left: Senior lawyer, Sevuloni Valenitabua and his client, Nikolau Nawaikula having a discussion outside the High Court in Suva on September 4, 2024. Photo: Asenaca Ratu
A trial date has been set for the case of former Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) member, Niko Nawaikula.
Mr Nawaikula filed a lawsuit against the former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem and the Office of the Attorney-General for acting unlawfully and negligently in advising the former Speaker, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau to dismiss him from Parliament.
This case was in relation to August 2021, when he was removed from Parliament for using the name that’s not written in his birth certificate.
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His birth certificate had Nikolau Tuiqamea written in it, however, in Parliament, he was using Niko Nawaikula.
The matter was heard by the previous Chief Justice, Kamal Kumar, who ruled that no issues were found.
After that case was dismissed, Mr Nawaikula pursued the lawsuit against them for negligent and illegal advice for his removal.
He appeared yesterday before Justice Usaia Ratuvili at the High Court in Suva with his new lawyer, Sevuloni Valenitabua.
During the proceedings, Mr Valenitabua told the court that they had received the copy of the plea which they had requested from the defences, and were ready to take a hearing date.
Mr Valenitabua also told the court that they would be calling only one witness.
After both parties had no other issues to raise, the court then adjourned the matter to next for trial.
The court has set the date for April 28-30, 2025.
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