National Federation Party President, Pio Tikoduadua claims the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence was told during their visit to Black Rock in Nadi that the security forces who are our frontline workers, were disappointed in the manner the second wave of the pandemic was handled due to inconsistent decision-making.
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While speaking in parliament, Tikoduadua says members of their parliamentary committee went to Black Rock last week where the Deputy Commander of RFMF, Commodore Humphrey Tawake assured them the RFMF is a professional force and understands that it is subservient to the people.
Tikoduadua says during their visit, they witnessed soldiers and policemen training for what they were briefed as state of readiness for the third wave of COVID-19.
He adds he would like to call for a national dialogue in relation to RFMF’s role under Section 131(2) of the 2013 Constitution and he is raising this point because many Fijians perceive this constitutional provision as legitimacy for RFMF to intervene freely in the governance of the State.
Section 131(2) states it shall be the overall responsibility of the RFMF to ensure at all times the security, defence and well-being of Fiji and all Fijians.
When contacted, the Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, Alex O'Connor says the committee was at Black Rock to see the progress of its construction.
O'Connor says Tikoduadua’s comments in parliament yesterday are the NFP President’s personal comments and he will not comment on it.
We also spoke to Commodore Tawake who says the committee visited Black Rock and he made a presentation on behalf of the RFMF.
When asked about Tikoduadua’s comments that security forces were disappointed in the manner the second wave was handled due to inconsistent decision-making, Commodore Tawake says he will not comment on it as they do not make comments on speeches made in parliament.
