Valenitabua Awaiting Solicitor General Appointment
The People’s Alliance lawyer Simione Valenitabua has confirmed that he is part of the transition team which was why he has been seen at the Solicitor-General’s Office several times.
While he did not confirm nor deny applying for the substantive position of SG, Mr Valenitabua said they were waiting for the Judicial Services Commission to make an appointment. “I can’t say or tell you that because I need to respect the process, respect the JSC to make that determination. I cannot disclose that to you right now,” Mr Valenitabua said.
“This Government is in transition so from The People’s Alliance perspective and the coalition we sat down and we were involved in the formulation and finalisation of the coalition agreement.
“The coalition agreement has to be carried out according to the terms and conditions stated therein. So as the solicitor of The People’s Alliance we were involved with solicitors from the other coalition partners in this transition in ensuring that we comply fully with the Constitution and not inconsistent to the provisions of the Constitution.”
When questioned whether the National Federation Party and SODELPA lawyers were part of the transition, he said no.
“No, because the AttorneyGeneral is from the People’s Alliance. Basically these are just meetings that I was asked by the A-G to attend to in this transition period,” he said.
“There’s already an acting SG there, Preetika Prasad, so I cannot be seen as the SG because there is an acting SG. Until the appointment is made.
“If I go there (SG’s office) it’s solely at the pleasure or the invitation of the Attorney General.
“I have a law practice which if I have intention to apply for any position I have to close it but right now there is no intention to do that right now unless there is an appointment, but right now we’re in transition mode.”