The Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai has reiterated the military will respect the outcome of the voting in Parliament for the position of Prime Minister.
Speaking to The Fiji Times Thursday, he said: “I have already stated, we will continue to respect the outcome.”
When asked if he would meet with political party leaders in relation to the recent statement by Police Commissioner Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho that the RFMF would assist Police with the maintenance of security and stability due to threats made against minority groups who were “now living in fear following recent political developments”, the RFMF Commander said political parties and their leaders needed to follow the right channel and take their grievances to police.
“They (political parties) are still trying to sort themselves out, I think that’s the most important thing.
“If they want to, go and see the Police, that’s the first point for them to go and share their views and problems they are going through.
“It’s not the RFMF, the RFMF doesn’t work that way.
“If a political party comes to us, it’s not good for us because we do not become involved politically, as I said this is the process that is being followed.”
Meanwhile, tension is high at the SODELPA management board meeting held at the Southern Cross Hotel in Suva this morning as some supporters and staff showed up to express disappointment after they were denied attendance at the meeting.
Party campaign director Jope Koroisavou said he was informed this morning that he no longer held the post.
He entered the meeting with frustration and rage demanding that he be provided an explanation why he was not allowed into the meeting.
“It was only verbal, there was nothing in black and white, until I get something in black and white then I will know I’m no longer the campaign director,” Koroisavou was heard saying to party officials.
Cakaudrove West representative Orisi Seruitanoa said they were also prohibited from attending the meeting.
SODELPA officials had to ask police to come in and intervene.
In another development, the Fiji Police Force Acting Assistant Commissioner and Chief Operations Officer, Abdul Khan has resigned.
Commissioner of Police Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho, confirmed this in a statement this morning saying Khan has resigned due to personal reasons.
“I have accepted his resignation after the decision was reached on mutual understanding and I respect his decision to resign from the organization,” Brigadier-General Qiliho said.
“I wish him well on his future endeavors and thank him for his service,” he said.
Brig-Gen Qiliho said Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Livai Driu the Commanding Officer (CO) Police Special Response Unit (PSRU) will take up the post of Chief Operations Officer and has been promoted to Acting Commissioner of Police (ACP) this morning.
Also, the Fiji Police Force Chaplain’s secondment to the organisation has been ceased effective immediately.
Qiliho said presently, he is on leave, and a senior delegation from the Force will facilitate his return to the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma upon the completion of his leave.
Qiliho the reasons for the cessation of his secondment will not be divulged publicly.
He said this will be discussed personally with the President of the Methodist Church Reverend Ili Vunisuwai.
SOURCE: FIJI TIMES/ PACNEWS
