Nawaikula Claims FICAC Arrest as ‘Threatening and Intimidating’
Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) Member of Parliament, Niko Nawaikula, claimed the Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption ( FICAC) acted in a ‘threatening and intimidating’ manner. Mr Nawaikula was taken in at 10pm on Tuesday outside the Gateway Hotel in Nadi to be interviewed at the FICAC Headquarters in Suva.
He and fellow SODELPA MP, Simione Rasova, were interviewed overnight. The duo were released from custody on Wednesday afternoon.
According to FICAC, the arrest was in regards to the complaint referred to FICAC by the Secretary-General of Parliament, Viniana Namosimalua, regarding allegations on the breach of the Parliamentary Remuneration Act of 2014.
The nature of the complaint alleges that nine MPs claimed travel and accommodation allowances they were not entitled to and in doing so, breached the above-mentioned Act.
Mr Nawaikula said: “I only had a T-shirt and shorts, left my room without checking out and my vehicle parked at the hotel car yard.
“My only comfort then was seeing Mr Rasova in the other cell. ”
SODELPA general secretary, Emele Duituturaga, assured party members and supporters that they would continue to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency and co-operate with authorities as required before the law.
A statement by FICAC yesterday stated that the duo had assured them that they would attend their next caution interview session.