STOP LIES ON COUP: NAUPOTO
Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto has called on people to stop spreading lies about a coup.
The Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), was responding to social media lies on a coup and the 2018 General Election outcome.
“The coup days are over,” he reassured the nation.
He said the RFMF would protect the integrity of the democratic process. He reminded those who were spreading lies on social media or around a
tanoa or in a formal gathering that they were not helping to build and preserve democracy in Fiji.
He warned them that any attempt to undermine peace and stability was not good for the country.
“I would like to assure the people of Fiji that we will look after the security of the people to ensure their freedom and the exercise of that freedom of choice – to choose whoever they want to choose. I advise those who are spreading the lies to stop. It does not bring anything good to our country.” Lies, he said, would not be a good foundation to build things on.
“You’ll find that they’ll crack under you, if you want to utilise them as a foundation of what you want to build.” He assured that the military would stand firm to carry out its role. “We will ensure that the people of this country are safe, that the peace that Fijians enjoy prevails regardless of whatever situation we come across, whether it is elections, whether it is after elections, whether it is pre-election, we will ensure that the peace and security that the country enjoys now remains. And we
will do whatever we have to do to ensure that it is achieved.”
The RFMF’s constitutional role, according to him, is defence, security and the wellbeing of Fiji and all Fijians.
“The military is an institution that serves the Government of the day. That is the way a military is seated in a democracy and that is the way the military functions now.”
He said one of the best building tools for Fiji’s young democracy was truth. Right now, he said, the Police were the lead agency in Law and Order. However, he said, the RFMF is ready 24 hours to help Police whenever they need their assistance.