SODELPA MPs return to parliament while NFP MPs remain out

The Opposition MPs walked out of parliament earlier today after an urgent question by NFP Leader, Professor Biman Prasad and a motion for adjournment by Opposition Leader Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu was denied by Speaker of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.

While giving his ruling, Ratu Epeli says he looked at the question by Prasad and ruled that the question is not of an urgent character or relates to a matter of public importance.

Ratu Epeli says therefore the question does not qualify as an urgent question under the standing orders.

On its Facebook page, the National Federation Party says the Opposition has walked out in disgust after the Speaker rejected an urgent motion and an urgent oral question relating to the arbitrary arrest, detention and deportation of the Vice Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific.

Ratu Epeli further says there was also a motion of adjournment from Ratu Naiqama.

Ratu Epeli adds he considered the nature of the motion and ruled that the matters raised in the motion are not something that requires the immediate attention of parliament or government.

He reminded the parliamentarians that parliament must respect the doctrine of separation of powers.

The SODELPA MP’s have since returned to parliament while NFP MP’s remain out.