Tuisawau: We Won't Be Distracted

We are focused and will not be distracted by anyone.

That was the firm response from People’s Alliance party co-deputy leader Ro Filipe Tuisawau yesterday, as he threw the party’s full support behind Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s leadership and intention to contest the 2026 General Election.

Amid growing calls for the Prime Minister to relinquish his immunity, testify before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and eventually step aside, Ro Filipe said the party remained united and undeterred.

“The Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has already stated that he is ready to lead PAP into the next election and we in PAP are in full support and ready,” Ro Filipe said.

“That is it, full-stop! We are focused and will not be distracted by anyone. A lot has been done and the good works need to continue,” he said.

“We need to unite and move forward together, we are firm and united in the leadership of Mr Rabuka.”

His statement follows a public challenge from former People’s Alliance party vice-president Ro Naulu Mataitini, who questioned the sincerity of Prime Minister Rabuka’s reconciliation efforts on the 38th anniversary of the 1987 coup.

Ro Naulu urged the PM to take three bold steps: testify truthfully before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, repeal the constitutional immunity clause, and resign after putting succession plans in place.

“Rabuka’s acts of reconciliation, accepting apologies, preaching unity, have been politically shrewd but symbolically shallow,” Ro Naulu said.

“They sidestep the elephant in the room: immunity. The constitutional clauses shielding him and others from prosecution for past coups remain intact, mocking Fiji’s claims to justice.”

He added that true leadership would require transparency and accountability.

“Rabuka must detail his role in the 1987 coups before the TRC—not with vague regret, but with raw honesty about their human toll and democratic vandalism. This would lend credibility to the TRC and signal that no one, not even chiefs, is above the nation’s truth.”

Calling for deep reform and a peaceful transition, Ro Naulu proposed that Mr Rabuka step aside once he secures endorsement for a successor.

“Yes, this risks his own prosecution, but it would dismantle the legal loopholes that incentivise future power grabs.

“To avoid destabilising the People’s Alliance, he must secure the Tui Cakau’s endorsement of a successor. Only then could he pivot from strongman to statesman, prioritising Fiji’s future over his foothold in power.”

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