Former Opposition Whip Ro Filipe Tuisawau says it is “total hypocrisy” and a “betrayal” that the Social Democratic Liberal Party allowed three former military officers who were directly involved in the removal of former prime minister Laisenia Qarase to join the party.
He said SODELPA was no longer the successor of the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) – formed by the late Mr Qarase, and the party in its current state was a shadow of the organisation the former PM had established “because they have betrayed him”.
Ro Filipe said this in response to comments made by SODELPA acting deputy leader Aseri Radrodro that if it was not for Mr Qarase in 2018 “some of these so-called politicians would not have emerged into the arena of politics in this 21st century”.
Ro Filipe said it was “pathetic to drag Qarase’s name into the fray”.
He said it was total hypocrisy and another betrayal when the party took on board three former military officers who were directly involved in the removal of Qarase.
He claimed one of the SODELPA provisional candidates had introduced Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum to 2006 coup leader Voreqe Bainimarama.
“The (SODELPA) party leader Viliame Gavoka could not be an alternative leader because his son-in-law was the architect of the sunset clause.
“There is a huge conflict of interest which is why a vote for SODELPA is a vote for Mr Sayed-Khaiyum.”
In response, Mr Gavoka said the former Opposition Whip was “flogging a dead horse”.
“The people of SODELPA have made up their mind on who should take them into elections and it’s me, Viliame Gavoka,” he said.
“And we are the party with clear directives and with policies that have been in the public domain for weeks.
“We have met the stringent requirements of the Electoral Act 2014: Section 116(4C).”
“I hear Ro Filipe is joining a party that does not seem to have any policies that indicate confidence, commitment and responsibility.
“And it’s in bad taste, bad mouthing SODELPA – the party that gave him the political profile he enjoys today.
“As to the former military officers, they are professionals and have much to offer SODELPA.
• Questions sent to Mr Sayed-Khaiyum on the comments made by Ro Filipe remain unanswered.
