LYNDA TABUYA TO HOLD THE WHIP FOR OPPOSITION...
Opposition SODELPA has chosen Lynda Tabuya as its Whip. The Whip is traditionally the member who maintains a party’s discipline in Parliament. This includes making sure the party’s MPs are in the House for votes and follow party lines.
Lynda Tabuya says she is honoured to be the Opposition Whip.
She made the remark after she was named yesterday by outgoing SODELPA party leader Sitiveni Rabuka.
Mr Rabuka has resigned as leader after SODELPA failed to win the election as stipulated by the party constitution.
The deputy Whip is Aseri Radrodro.
Ms Tabuya continues her amazing political comeback after she failed to win a seat for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2014. Mr Rabuka said the selection was made by the SODELPA caucus yes- terday morning.
“The guideline existing within the party is that; the party Whip should be a qualified legalist and the deputy Whip should have financial background,” Mr Rabuka said.
Ms Tabuya said: “The role of the Whip is to bring balance to the House, ensure that any information from parliament office is conveyed to the Members of Parliament and keeping the discussions balance in the House obviously ensures that there is no bullying and loud shouting when the argument is leading to certain directions. I am very excited about that.” Ms Tabuya will be replacing Salote Radrodro.
“As soon as I was confirmed as Whip, I pulled Ms Radrodro aside and said; ‘Madam, you did an amazing job and I have to fill in big shoes’.
“The role is really about leadership and about people skills and it’s an honour for a woman to continue that role, I hope that I can do as good as Ms Radrodro did.” Outgoing opposition Whip Ms Radrodro said: “I fully support the caucus decision on Lynda’s appointment as the opposition Whip.” Meanwhile, Ms Tabuya acknowledged all her voters and supporters for believing in her.
“It came as a surprise to everyone that I polled the second highest within SODELPA and the highest woman candidate, I feel honoured because I believe it is the will of the people moving towards a direction of new leadership, new ideas and working hand-in-hand with our more experienced politicians. Ms Tabuya also acknowledged her family for their full support throughout her fight during the election period.
“I am nothing without God and God gives us family to support and to encourage and to be there right throughout.
“I have been absolutely blessed with a beautiful supportive family who have been there by my side all this time ever since I was little and when I realised my dream to be in Parliament. I just want to thank them and tell them ‘I love you all.”
The role is really about leadership and about people skills and it’s an honour for a woman to continue that role. I hope that I can do as good as Ms Radrodro did. Lynda Tabuya Opposition whip