Former Namosi Provincial Council treasurer Rigieta Naicovi was sentenced to 22 months imprisonment by the Navua Magistrates Court last Wednesday.
In December 2021, Naicovi was charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption with two counts of obtaining financial advantage and one count of general dishonesty causing a loss.
On the first two counts, it was alleged that between June 3 and November 20, 2015, Naicovi, knowing she was ineligible, forged the signatures on the sitting allowance list for the Namosi Provincial Council meeting and obtained $390 from the council.
On the third count, it was alleged that between October 1, 2016, and February 7, 2017, Naicovi misappropriated $1500 of funds raised by Wainilotulevu Villagers, Namosi Provincial Council members, dishonestly causing them a loss, knowing that a loss would occur or there was a significant risk of loss.
Naicovi waived her right to counsel and pleaded guilty to the offences, admitting to the summary of facts read out to her in court.
In passing sentence, Resident Magistrate Jeremiah Savou said it would be improper for the court to suspend the entire sentence because the accused was in a position of power and influence as an agent of the State.
Mr Savou also said Naicovi had not made restitution since 2015 nor after her guilty plea.
Fourteen months of the sentence was suspended for two years.
