Speight pardon worries RFMF boss
Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF). has expressed concerns regarding reports of pardon applications submitted by George Spoight and others.
Major-General Kalouniwai conveyed his concerns to the Acting Minister of Home Affairs, Filimoni Vosarogo. He emphasised the need for urgent attention to the matter.
Mr Vosarogo assured the Commander that his views and concerns regarding national security would be heard, and his opinions would be taken into consideration.
Mr Vosarogo highlighted the Importance of addressing the Commander's concerns, particularly at a time when Fiji was striving for new beginnings and a better future for its citizens.
He also explained that the application for presidential pardon by George Speight and others was just the initial step in a rigorous process.
The applications undergo careful examination of character and rehabilitation, with the constitution incorporating safeguards to ensure that only deserving individuals receive a pardon.
The Mercy Commission also has the authority to dismiss frivolous or meritless petitions.
In the lead up to the December 2022 General Election. The People's Alliance leader, Sitiveni Rebuke, told supporters that the party would consider releaseing Speight and others.
The nation's focus remains on crafting a better future for Fiji and its future generations, he said.
The Government alms to strike a balance between justice and reconciliation, considering the aspirations of the people while upholding the principles of the rule of law.
"By acknowledging and addressing the concerns raised by the RFMF Commander, the Government demonstrates its commitment to fostering open dialogue, respecting differing perspectives, and working towards a unified and prosperous Fiji."
The Coalition Government may have just opened another can of worms when Siromi Turaga confirmed the application to release 2000 Coup leader, George Speight and others.
Acting in his capacity as the Attorney-General and line minister responsible, Mr Turaga said there were several pending cases before the Mercy Commission, and among them, were Speight’s and Ratu Inoke Tagiveikata’s.
In February this year, four inmates were released after members of the commission assessed their case reports on the advice of the President.
Regardless of the jurisdiction with which the Mercy Commission and the President will act upon, the intent to release Speight and Tagiveikata were already made known during the 2022 General Election campaign.
As The People’s Alliance leader, Sitiveni Rabuka, said his party and SODELPA would consider releasing Speight and others.
It was his ticket to forgive those who had done wrong to the nation just as he had done so in the 1987 Military Coup.
Tagiveikata’s application, as we know it, was made by SODELPA while Speight applied on his own accord.
The chances of Speight applying during the reign of the FijiFirst Government is very unlikely.
Today, our headline highlights the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai’s concerns of this controversy. Ro Jone, as the chief of security in the disciplined forces, questioned the intent of the application for the release for Speight and others.
In a letter to the Acting Minister for Home Affairs, Filimoni Vosarogo, the Commander pointed out the RFMF’s constitutional role to safeguard the security, defense and well-being of Fiji and all Fijians. Speight was guilty of treason after staging the 2000 Civilian Coup.
He was sentenced to death but commuted to life imprisonment.
Mr Vosarogo in the response said the application was only part of a whole range of processes to fairly determine the outcome.
On that note, Fijians and those who endured the 2000 Coup, like the then Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and his cabinet, will just have to wait and trust the system.
If the system is anything to go by, the outcome should be favourable to most, if not all, parties concerned and best, safety and security of all Fijians.