25 Oct 2010

Former Fiji officer doubts regime's military leave account

6:56 pm on 25 October 2010

A former Fiji senior military officer says he believes two officers placed on extended leave have been suspended for plotting against Commodore Frank Bainimarama.

The interim government says the Land Force Commander, Brigadier General Pita Driti, and Lieutenant Colonel Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, were asked to use up leave entitlement.

But former colonel Jone Baledrokadroka says this is a typical device for Commodore Bainimarama, who is reported to have appointed Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga and Major Amani Suliano as replacements.

Mr Baledrokadroka says the latest move shows support for the Commodore is waning.

"These two senior officers were the ones anointed and die hard partners in high treason, they committed high treason with Bainimarama. They were his right and left hand so to speak. So the nature of the beast is that people all around him, they seem to have fallen under his axe in his quest for absolute power."

Jone Baledrokadroka says the pair should now support efforts to bring Fiji back to democracy.

The two officers on leave have made no comment.