Which Female SODELPA MP Drafted Ratu Epenisa’s ‘Letter of Resignation’?
Questions are being asked as to who drafted SODELPA president Ratu Epenisa Cakobau’s “letter of resignation.”
Ratu Epenisa confirmed he had not resigned but declined to say anything else.
The “letter” circulated online to a selected group, was signed by Ratu Epenisa. It is understood that a female Opposition MP had spoken to Ratu Epenisa that because he had not been vaccinated he could not continue as president as he would not be able to access premises where the offices were located.
He had said yes because he thought at the time it was the right thing to do.
It is understood Ratu Epenisa had sought clearance from his GP to get the jab because he has an underlying medical condition. He was waiting for the green light when he was approached by the female MP. There were others present when this happened.
Party leader Viliame Gavoka heard about it and intervened. He convinced Ratu Epenisa not to resign and wait for his GP’s counsel.
People who have sighted the letter online say it appears briefly and disappears again. It gives them little chance of copying the letter.
But in Parliament on Wednesday the letter was subject of discussion in the Opposition camp. Party officials now know it was one their own MPs. It is believed that the MP is a member of the conservative right wing faction loyal to Sitiveni Rabuka. It highlights that the situation in SODELPA is fluid and volatile right now as the two factions continue to stake their influence and authority.
Ratu Epenisa’s brief response yesterday underscores the delicate situation and he does not want to aggravate it.
The obvious reason
One thing is obvious though, the right wingers are after his scalp and they may have orchestrated this move to weaken Mr Gavoka’s hold on power. They have tried persistently to get Mr Gavoka to step down saying he is unfit to lead SODELPA into next year’s General Election but failed. So they are turning their attention to Ratu Epenisa and general Secretary Lenaitasi Duru. Mr Duru has dug his heels in. So that leaves Ratu Epenisa to target.
The plotters are planning to elevate SODELPA MP Ro Teimumu Kepa from vice-president to president.
Their attempts have emboldened Mr Gavoka to stand his ground. Now it is understood that he is exercising his authority and flexing his muscles to demand accountability and transparency from party members including MPs. It is raising eyebrows because he seems to have been transformed from a moderate to a hardline operator to consolidate his position.
It is understood that Ratu Epenisa was thinking of resigning because he was under pressure for not being vaccinated when the party led by Mr Gavoka has been calling on all members to get their jabs.
Questions sent to Mr Gavoka and Mr Duru have not been answered when this edition went to press.