Takayawa apologises to the PM, the Government, the coalition partners, and to the people of Fiji

SODELPA General Secretary, Viliame Takayawa has today extended his sincere apologies to Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, to the Government of Fiji, to their coalition partners, and to the people of Fiji, for any offence, embarrassment, or disruption his recent remarks may have caused.

Takayawa says he also offers his sincerest apologies to the official delegation to Tonga, and in particular to Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica and to Tanya Waqanika, for any unintended slight or discredit brought upon their official work and representation.

He says he writes today with deep regret and a solemn acknowledgment of responsibility regarding his public commentary on the Government's trade mission to the Kingdom of Tonga.

Takayawa says upon sincere reflection, he acknowledges that the statement he made was inappropriate in both tone and medium.

He adds it was an error in judgement on his part to publicly express concerns that should have been addressed through internal coalition mechanisms and in consultation with the relevant stakeholders.

Takayawa says his actions did not uphold the standards of conduct expected of a person holding office in a governing political party, nor were they in the spirit of collective leadership and responsibility that is foundational to their coalition.

Takayawa further acknowledges and accepts the directive of the Party Leader, Aseri Radrodro, under whose instruction the social media post has been removed.

He also submits fully to the Party's decision that this matter be addressed at the next meeting of the Working Committee.

Aseri Radrodro said yesterday that in light of the sensitivities involved and in recognition of their responsibilities as a partner within the coalition government, he formally directed Viliame Takayawa to remove the social media post which he has explained that he did in his personal capacity.

Radrodro says this directive has been carried out.

He stresses the matter will be addressed thoroughly at their next scheduled meeting of the Party’s Working Committee, where it will be reviewed within the bounds of their Constitution and internal governance protocols.

The SODELPA Leader says with respect to SODELPA’s role in the coalition: they remain humbled that they were able to use their numbers to bring about the change the people wanted which has restored true democracy and freedom to our multicultural and multi racial nation.

Radrodro says they will not be deterred from their core mission as per the request of the late Na Gone Turaga Na Qaranivalu, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, the Party Founder, to remain with the coalition till the end of its term and to advance the aspirations of all their people, particularly the protection and empowerment of the iTaukei and the collective consideration of the needs of all the citizens who deserve respect, dignity of life and peaceful coexistence in a stable and progressive Fiji.

Radrodro reiterates that SODELPA remains committed to the values of collective responsibility, decorum in public discourse, and the continued stability of the coalition for the good of the nation.

Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka has revealed he will decide next week on whether they will break the coalition agreement with SODELPA as they have done enough damage in the running of an effective government.

Speaking to fijivillage News, Rabuka made it clear that SODELPA has to obey what he says or they move out.

He says he has given enough time for SODELPA to work effectively in the coalition.

Rabuka also says there have been a few complaints against the Education Minister and SODELPA Leader, Aseri Radrodro.

He is also concerned about SODELPA General Secretary, Viliame Takayawa’s comments about the Fiji Mission to Tonga allegedly partying and not doing things as expected.

He has not said anything as yet after Radrodro and Takayawa's statements.