Radrodro thanks State for pardoning Ratu Inoke

SODELPA MP Aseri Radrodro thanked the Coalition Government and President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere for pardoning Naitasiri chief, Turaga na Qaranivalu Ratu Inoke Takiveikata for his involvement in the 2000 coup.

In Parliament yesterday, Mr Radrodro said Ratu Inoke’s release was the response to the ‘ultimate cry of the people of Naitasiri’ for many years.

“I wish to take this time to send the special appreciation of the people of Naitasiri Province, the acknowledgement of each men, women and child in the Presidential pardon allowing for the release of the paramount Chief of Naitasiri, the Gone Turaga na Qaranivalu, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata,” said Mr Radrodro.

“The actions of His Excellency the President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and with the assistance and guidance of the Honorable Attorney-General and his office, freeing the gone turaga na Qaranivalu back into society and enabling him to be back home with his people and his family, is the ultimate response to the cries of the vanua of Naitasiri over the many years he has been in prison.

“His release is an indication of the willingness and ability of the ruling Coalition Government to give our people the chance to reconcile as a people and is a sign of decisive leadership.

“As a people of faith, irrespective of the various religious beliefs Fijians practice, love and forgiveness is a common value we all aspire to.

“Therefore, again we are most grateful for this act of forgiveness bestowed upon the Turaga na Qaranivalu and others who were likewise given a Presidential pardon. Manakwa saka vakalevu Coalition Government.”

Ratu Inoke was released in December last year alongside Timoci Silatolu and Josefa Nata.