Timoci Natuva resigns as Minister of Defence and as an MP

Minister for National Security, Defence and Immigration, Timoci Natuva has resigned as a cabinet minister and as a member of parliament.

Natuva told Fijivillage that he has handed his resignation letter to the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama and Speaker, Doctor Jiko Luveni.

Natuva says he is 59 years now and he wants to dedicate more time to his family.

He says that he has spent 40 years in public service and all his children were born when he was out at sea or when he was on peacekeeping missions.

The former minister wants to spend more time with his wife and children.

Natuva says he also wants to get into farming in Naitasiri.

He says he has been talking about this issue with his family and they also agreed that he should resign from the post.

Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama says that he will assume Natuva's ministerial duties for the time being and an announcement about a permanent replacement will be made in due course.

Meanwhile, the next Fiji First candidate on the list to take up Natuva's parliamentary seat is Apakuki Kurusiga.