Duru a Breath of Fresh air for SODELPA Because of his Staunch Defence of Good Governance Principles
SODELPA has finally found someone who can help president Ratu Epenisa Cakobau steady the party.
Lenaitasi Duru’s no-nonsense, principled stand on good governance principles, makes him the ideal choice as the new general secretary.
At a time when the moderates-aligned SODELPA executive leadership is buffeted by challenges from the conservative right wing faction, his firm and calming influence is a great asset for the party as it prepares for next year’s General Election.
His trademark staunch stand on sensitive and contentious issues makes him widely respected. Members have recognised his quiet dignity and all the tasks he had been assigned to as assistant general secretary had been fulfilled to the satisfaction of the executives. At one of the recent Management Board meetings, he stood at the door and made sure that only legitimate board members were allowed in despite pressure to dispense of the rules and allow others including those on the banned list to enter. His uncompromising attitude showed that he meant business and would comply with the rules.
Mr Duru applied for the vacant general secretary post with a complete package. When it came down to selecting the successful candidate, it was not difficult because he had ticked all the boxes. His professional credentials speak for themselves.
Mr Duru is a business consultant and tutored MBA students at the University of the South Pacific (USP).
Ratu Epenisa would be absolutely delighted with Mr Duru’s appointment. Party leader Viliame Gavoka has spoken about Mr Duru’s background and the assets he brings to the party in his elevated role.
Making a stand
He has already made his presence felt and staked his position in the row over the decision to stop any representatives from two constituency councils, Kadavu and Bua from attending the last Management Board meeting because they failed to hold their annual general meeting.
Some members including Opposition Whip Lynda Tabuya have questioned that decision. Mr Duru responded with this statement: “The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) notes the comments recently shared on social media by Hon. Lynda Tabuya with reference to compliance matters surrounding the establishment of constitutional branches in the Kadavu and Bua Constituencies.
“The Honourable Member of Parliament is a lawyer. It is unfortunate that she is showing ignorance in the provisions of the party constitution in relation to constituency setups and grievance procedures. Airing her grievance on social media is irresponsible and unbecoming of a senior official of the party. “SODELPA therefore will not make any public response to comments made by the Member of Parliament as it is an internal matter.
“On the same note, we wish to put the MP on notice for continuously making public utterances with respect to the governance of the party as this will no longer be taken lightly.”
That is a warning, not only to Ms Tabuya, but to all party members that they respect party rules or face the consequences. There are mechanisms and processes in place in the party administrative setup where these issues can be addressed. Going public on social media, is not one of them.
This has been a common breach since the inception of SODELPA and it has caused instability. No one has successfully put a stop to it. Mr Duru, Ratu Epenisa, other executives and the Management Board could become the first set of officials to do it. It would be a major breakthrough if they succeed. It would definitely set the party on the right course as it tries to restore discipline and strengthen its commitment to comply with good governance principles. On the traditional side Mr Duru, from Maumi, Bau, Tailevu is a member of the Bati (traditional warriors of the Vunivalu) clan. Ratu Epenisa comes from the chiefly clan, from where the Vunivalu is chosen and installed. The Vunivalu title is vacant and Ratu Epenisa is a candidate based on his genealogy.
The traditional link makes the working relationship between Mr Duru and Ratu Epenisa deeper and stronger.
TOMORROW:
Battling the rebels