Minister for Defence and National Security, Inia Seruiratu has claimed in parliament that there is a lot of apprehension and fear in our communities and in the business community as well because of SODELPA Leader, Sitiveni Rabuka's return to parliament.
While responding to the President's opening address, Seruiratu says there is a lot of discussion about the economy, and he has done his analysis before and post-elections.
He told the SODELPA members to ask Rabuka to step down as it will benefit the party and the nation.
He also told the Opposition that Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and the government will not step down, not now and not in the next elections.
The Minister says the President's speech should not be a political football for the Opposition adding it is very disrespectful of the Opposition to use such negative tones and inappropriate language to respond to the President.
He further says that for Rabuka to say it is the most ungracious speech that he has heard in parliament is unbecoming, arrogant, shameful and disrespectful.
He further says the Opposition has run out of ideas.
When questioned on Seruiratu labe1ling Rabuka as a staunch nationalist and calling on Rabuka to step down, Opposition Leader Sitiveni Rabuka says he wants to remind Seruiratu that Seruiratu wanted to join the army when he was the RFMF Commander.