Rabuka says SODELPA Parliamentary Caucus have resolved issue of the speakership of the parliament

Opposition Leader Sitiveni Rabuka says that the SODELPA Parliamentary Caucus has met and resolved the issue of the speakership of the parliament and they are now focused on the parliamentary sitting and working with the new speaker, and moving forward.

In a statement Rabuka says there are many issues, concerns and problems faced by their constituents and they as opposition are focused on resolving by working with the relevant Ministries and Departments, and to raise in parliament as appropriate.

Rabuka had earlier wanted SODELPA MPs to support Ratu Epeli Nailatikau if he was nominated as Speaker by the government. He had said that this was agreed to in the caucus and he had also relayed the message to NFP that they should support Ratu Epeli’s appointment if he is nominated.

However, after that caucus meeting some SODELPA MPs went against Rabuka’s instruction and wanted SODELPA candidate Tanya Waqanika to be nominated as Speaker. Rabuka had to then withdraw his instruction.

NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad had confirmed that NFP MPs had voted for Ratu Epeli to be appointed as Speaker.

Rabuka has called on all SODELPA supporters to continue raising issues with their SODELPA MPs, so it can be resolved in parliament.