Retired President of the Fiji Court of Appeal, Justice Filimoni Jitoko, was today elected Speaker at a special sitting of the Parliament of Fiji.
Jitoko was nominated by the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, and received 34 votes to be declared the new Speaker of Parliament.
The Prime Minister praised Jitoko as an eminent jurist, an illustrious diplomat, a senior civil servant, and an academic who is well regarded and respected.
“I have no doubt that his sense of fairness and commitment to uphold parliamentary democracy at all times will make him an excellent holder of this high office.”
“He will bring outstanding leadership, communication and strategic thinking credentials and gravitas to the Office of the Speaker in guiding parliamentary debate and ensuring that the people of this nation participate in their governance.”
“The Coalition Government has an ambitious and intricate legislative agenda, and his brilliant qualities as a Jurist will ensure Parliament makes laws that are user-friendly, coherent, and navigable.”
While giving his speech in Parliament as a newly elected speaker, Jitoko thanked the PM for nominating him and having trust in him.
Jitoko said that he was humbled by the trust bestowed in him to continue with the work of his predecessor in serving the people and the nation.
“I intend to listen to and work with each one of you and continue the work of my predecessor Turaga Bale na Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu in transforming our parliament to be an effective and efficient instrument.”
Justice Filimone Jitoko is 75.
He was born on 03 October 1949, in Kabara, Lau, to parents Isireli Rarawa and Leba Wainise and together with his wife Elina Senirewa Jitoko, has two sons and two daughters.
Jitoko attended District School Kabara, followed by Ratu Kadavulevu School and Queen Victoria School.
He was a member of Fiji Secondary Schools rugby team in 1969 and prior to that captained the QVS first 15 as well as the school’s cricket, hockey and athletics teams.
Jitoko law at Victoria University in Wellington from 1972-76 and was admitted to the bar in Fiji in 1978.
He was a State Law Officer and rose to the position of Solicitor General and later had stints as Resident Magistrate and Puisne Judge of the High Court of Fiji, and also served as legal advisor to the Bose Levu Vaka Turaga from 1988 to 1994.
Jitoko served most recently as president of the Court of Appeal and prior to that as Chief Justice in the Republic of Nauru.
As a diplomat, he served as Fiji’s Ambassador to the court of St James in the United Kingdom and was also accredited to the Holy See, Denmark and Israel.
Jitoko also served as Counselor at Fiji’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York and the Fiji Embassy to the United States in Washington DC.
As a senior civil servant, he also served as Secretary to Cabinet, he also briefly joined academia as a senior lecturer at the School of Islands and Oceans as well as the School of Law in the University of the South Pacific.
Meanwhile, high expectations have been placed on Fiji’s newly appointed Speaker of Parliament, with leaders expressing hope for professionalism, decorum, and effective guidance in the role.
Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu views the position as crucial in upholding the democratic process and supporting the work of Parliament.
Seruiratu has expressed optimism that the speaker’s experience, qualifications, and background would bring strong leadership.
“High expectations on the office of the Speaker. It is a critical role, and we hope that the incoming Speaker, given his experience, qualifications, and exposures, will guide the Parliament with the highest level of professionalism, decorum, and conduct, and of course we hope to work with him in terms of moving the work of Parliament forward.”
Seruiratu said the opposition has also submitted a letter to the Speaker’s office addressing pending matters from the previous Speaker’s term.
He has emphasised the importance of parliamentary oversight and scrutiny.
