Former coup convict Josefa Soqulu Nata, widely known as Jo Nata, has delivered a stark warning against future coups, telling the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission that the 2006 takeover gave indigenous Fijians “our fair dessert” after the suffering inflicted on Indo-Fijians during the 1987 and 2000 coups.
In his submission to the Commission, Nata expressed deep remorse for his involvement in the events of 2000, describing himself as an opportunist and hypocrite who deserved the 24 years he spent in prison.
“No coup, in my view can ever be justified, not before men and certainly, not before God,” Nata said.
“For those misadventures, we know as coups, were based on lies, lies, lies… visions of grandeur… opportunism.”
Nata said he accepted full responsibility for his role in the failed uprising.
“I served 24 years in prison. And I deserved every minute of it.”
“When one is engaged in foolishness, one should be prepared for the consequences.”
He described himself as a traitor who had betrayed his chief, the late founding Prime Minister and President, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, as well as his family, community and country.
“I was a traitor, as the Court rightly described me.”
“Forever will I carry the shame.”
Nata said the indigenous iTaukei community should never again be persuaded to support coups under promises of improving their welfare.
“Through this Commission, I plead to the taukei population, never ever support a coup again.”
“The lot of taukei Fijians have not improved a single bit arising out of 1987 or 2000. If anything, taukei Fijians’ situation has regressed.”
In one of the strongest statements in his submission, Nata reflected on the consequences of Fiji’s coups across ethnic lines.
“The reality of unlawful takeovers is that one group of people will suffer more than others.”
“In 1987 and 2000, it was the Indians that suffered. 2006 gave Fijians our fair dessert.”
Nata also criticised the role played by sections of the Christian community during the coups, saying there was “nothing Christ-like” in support for the 1987 and 2000 takeovers.
He said his time in prison had reinforced lessons about peace, forgiveness and respect for authority.
“To love one another, to turn the other cheek, to submit to authority, to honour and pray for our leaders, not to pay evil for evil, to be patient, to forgive, to live peaceably with all men.”
Nata concluded by urging all Fijians to reject unconstitutional change, warning that coups had brought lasting harm to both individuals and the nation.
