Speaker refuses two petitions from two SODELPA MPs

Speaker of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau refused two petitions from two SODELPA MPs today - one was from Ro Filipe Tuisawau seeking negotiation and settlement in relation to land claims in the Suva Peninsula and the other was from Jese Saukuru seeking action from parliament for the Minister for Lands to revert certain state land to iTaukei Land.

Ratu Epeli says Ro Filipe’s petition is clearly trying to get parliament to take action that is not within the powers of parliament to take.

He says it is critical that parliament must respect the constitutional separation of powers between the three arms of the state being the judiciary, the legislature and the executive.

The Speaker also says that the land claim matter on the Suva Peninsula is still before the courts.

Ratu Epeli says claims for compensation have to be made in the courts where such claims are determined on evidence and law.

The Speaker also ruled Saukuru’s petition out of order as he said that the separation of powers of the state has to be respected. He says the matter is before the court and it is not for parliament to direct the exercise of executive authority when the written law gives the power and authority to the executive.