Top Suspended SODELPA officials deny FICAC probe

Suspended SODELPA top executives have denied being questioned by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption in regards to allegations levelled against MPs by Secretary-General Viniana Namosimalua.

FICAC confirmed that one Government Member of Parliament and eight Opposition MPs were implicated for their alleged breach of the 2014 Parliamentary Remuneration Act.

It is alleged that the nine MPs claimed travel and accommodation allowances they were not entitled to.

When approached for a comment yesterday at his residence, the leader of suspended SODELPA, Sitiveni Rabuka, said the party had not received any information from Ms Namosimalua and FICAC.

“They have not informed us of anything. We were relying on SG to let us know, but since we have been suspended nobody is talking to us or talking about us,” Mr Rabuka said.

He also denied giving any statements to FICAC in relation to the investigations.

Adi Litia Qionibaravi said: “What FICAC investigation are you talking about? I have not received any information.”

She said there were no allegations against her and also questioned why FICAC should call her when she was not told anything.

The Fiji Sun also approached and requested an interview with Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu at his residence in Lami yesterday, but were turned down.

Aseri Radrodro referred all queries about FICAC to Mr Rabuka.

FijiFirst party general secretary and Attorney-General Aiyaz SayedKhaiyum confirmed to the Fiji Sun that the government MP allegedly implicated is Vijendra Prakash. Mr Prakash said he was not aware of the allegations.

National Federation Party leader Biman Prasad said none of their MPs were involved in the allegations.