Opposition Whip Lynda Tabuya says the letter written by SODELPA President Ratu Epenisa Cakobau and General Secretary Emele Duituturaga to the Speaker of Parliament regarding the appointment of Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu as Leader of Opposition is inadmissible.
Tabuya has confirmed that she has written to the Speaker Ratu Epeli Nailatikau with the concurrence of Ratu Naiqama to furnish a comprehensive response to the complaint.
She says once Ratu Naiqama’s election as Leader of the Opposition was declared by the Speaker, he may only be removed and replaced by the majority of the SODELPA and NFP members of Parliament.
Tabuya adds the writers of the letter do not constitute majority of SODELPA and NFP Members of Parliament, who have the right under Section 78(4) to inform the Speaker of their decision to remove or replace the Leader of the Opposition.
She says in her view the complaint is misguided due to lack of appreciation of the provisions of the 2013 Constitution, Party Constitution and Parliamentary Standing Orders.
Tabuya also says that the election of the SODELPA Parliamentary Leader is solely a matter for the members of the SODELPA Caucus and not subject to the directive of the Party President or General Secretary.
Earlier,
