![SODELPA President Ratu Epenisa Cakobau and Party Leader Viliame Gavoka. [image: file]](https://www.fijivillage.com/news_images/19860197615fc9c32494d8cf015394.jpg)
SODELPA President Ratu Epenisa Cakobau and Party Leader Viliame Gavoka have said that we must allow due process to be followed and the six SODELPA MPs charged by FICAC are innocent until proven guilty.
However Ratu Epenisa and Gavoka have expressed concern over the alleged breaches of the 2014 Parliamentary Remuneration Act by six members of the SODELPA MPs.
FICAC charged SODELPA MPs, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, Salote Radrodro, Simione Rasova, Niko Nawaikula, Peceli Vosanibola and Adi Litia Qionibaravi, and FijiFirst MP Vijendra Prakash with one count each of False Information to Public Servant and Obtaining Financial Advantage.
Gavoka says as the matter is now before the courts and the members accused have been told to re-appear in court on the 25th of January, we must allow due process to take its course and respect the rights of those accused as stipulated in the constitution, which says every person charged with an offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law.
Gavoka says in the meantime, there is a need to review the processes and procedures in place to ensure that all claims by members are in full compliance with the established rules and members are protected.
Ratu Epenisa Cakobau says though he was disappointed that the six opposition members had been charged, he reiterated that they are still members of the SODELPA family and he asked Party members and supporters to pray for them and the Party during these trying times.
We also sent questions to FijiFirst General Secretary, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum on the next step to be taken by the party after FijiFirst MP, Vijendra Prakash was charged with allegedly claiming for allowances he was not entitled to. Sayed-Khaiyum is yet to comment.
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