3 Aug 2015

Fiji Labour concerned over military resignation

4:10 pm on 3 August 2015

The Fiji Labour Party says the people of Fiji need an explanation for the sudden resignation of Brigadier-General Mosese Tikoitoga as the military commander.

Mr Tikoitoga says he is to become a diplomat and told local media there is no rift between the Government and Republic of Fiji Military Forces.

But the Labour Party's President, Lavinia Padarath, says this comes on the heels of reports of dissatisfaction in the military at the actions of the Attorney General and revelations of improper use of public funds in the Auditor General's reports.

Ms Padarath says Labour is particularly concerned at comments made in the Fiji Times by the acting commander, Viliame Naupoto, that Mr Tikoitoga was "not untouchable".

She says this was highly unprofessional and calls into question Mr Naupoto's competence for the job.

Ms Padarath also says the Constitutional Offices Commission, cannot delegate its authority to name a replacement or acting replacement, to the Chairman, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama.

Mosese Tikoitoga salutes outgoing Frank Bainimarama

Mosese Tikoitoga salutes his predecessor as military commander Frank Bainimarama Photo: AFP