Suva Magistrate Makereta Mua told the defense counsel Kitione Vuetaki who is representing Ratu Isoa Tikoca that legal matters should not be raised with the witness as it should have been put before the court and not the witness.
Mua clarified this after Jolame Uludole who is also representing Tikoca put to the Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem that his client does not owe the government and does not have to declare his liabilities.
During cross examination defense counsel Jolame Uludole asked Saneem to clarify the nomination date five years back from 4th to 18th August 2014.
Saneem said that the nomination period five years back would be 4th to 18th August 2009.
Uludole then said that his client does not owe anything to the government in that five-year period.
FICAC Counsel Rashmi Aslam then objected to this and Magistrate upheld prosecution’s objection.
Magistrate Makereta Mua then told the defense counsel that it is a legal matter and it should have been raised as a preliminary matter before the court.
Defense Counsel, Kitione Vuetaki told her that he will consult Uludole on the matter and let the court know today.
Saneem is FICAC’s second witness in the case where Tikoca is charged with failure to declare his liabilities contrary to section 24 of the Political Parties Registration Conduct Funding and Disclosures Decree.
Tikoca’s trial will continue today.
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