Minister for Agriculture, Doctor Mahendra Reddy is saying he was misquoted by The Fiji Times after being called out for his "We will put them in jail" comments by SODELPA MP Inosi Kuridrani while The Fiji Times is standing by the report.
Reddy was reported to have told a farmer in Rakiraki at a talanoa session "We will put them in jail" after that farmer said he was worried that landowners would push him off the land he had cultivated.
In response to that report, Kuridrani released a statement saying Reddy need not threaten landowners in his rural campaign to gain political support from farmers.
Kuridrani says landowners, as any other property owner, have a legal right to decide whether to renew, or not to renew any lease.
He says the property of any former lessee remains his, unless the landowner compensates the lessee.
Kuridrani says that is all the Minister needs to clarify to farmers adding there is no need for militant language.
He says the Minister knows the procedures and processes involved in granting and renewal of leases over which he has no control.
Kuridrani says the Minister and the government must adhere to the principles of good governance.
When asked by Legend FM News about the concerns raised by Kuridrani, Reddy said Kuridrani is trying to make a big issue out of this without knowing what the question was and what was the true response he gave.
Reddy says what he told the farmer was that no one can just come and take over his produce and if the landowners continue to do that then the law will get them into jail.
Reddy says he then asked an Agriculture Officer, the PA Rakiraki to go talk to the TLTB officer to meet the landowners and sort the issue out.
When questioned by Legend FM News, Reddy said we should ask the newspaper for the actual recording because he never went to the media. He went on to accuse The Fiji Times of selective reporting.
Legend FM News asked Reddy if he specifically said "We will put them in jail" at the talanoa session. Reddy then said he was misquoted.
Fiji Times Editor in Chief, Fred Wesley says they stand by the report written by their West Bureau Chief.
He says it is unfortunate that Minister Reddy has made damaging accusations against The Fiji Times.
Wesley says their position is very clear.
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations