Tui Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua yesterday announced his retirement from Parliament after a 14-year political career.
He announced the decision after a Bose ni Vanua of the province at Veivatuloa Village endorsed former Housing Authority of Fiji manager Maciu Katamotu as the political “representative of Namosi” in the upcoming general election.
The meeting attended by traditional leaders and community elders also decided that their political candidate join The People’s Alliance party. Mr Katamotu, 51, is from Nakavu Village.
He is also a former employee of the Fiji Development Bank.
Ratu Suliano said the decision to step down was also a personal one, as his wife Akeneta Matanitobua was sickly.
“In the effort to firstly put Fiji back on the path of peace, progress and stability after the events of 2000 and then to seek to restore democracy, governance, human rights and rule of law after the carnage of democracy in 2006, I have suffered a lot, and so has my family,” he said.
“These tremendous efforts we made for the good of our people has taken a serious toll on the health of my wife in the recent past.
“I’m presently more worried about her health than anything else, and as my better half, it is my sacred duty to stand by her and nurse her back to good health.
“She has always been a beacon of hope and pillar of strength for me, and I will always be indebted to her.”
He acknowledged his supporters during his term in Parliament.
“You would note that the proceedings against me by FICAC is before the court.
“I will respect the outcome of the same as a law-abiding citizen of this country.”
Ratu Suliano inherited the traditional title of Turaga Na Tui Namosi at the young age of 22, and he said blending political leadership with traditional leadership had also drawn him into controversy at times.
“I think not everyone accepts and embraces traditional leaders as natural political leaders anymore.
“They want a clear demarcation in our roles and I would not stand in their way to deny them that luxury of choice on the eve of an impending election.
“My departure will leave my brothers and sisters from the girmitya descendent community leaderless in my region for a while until they choose one of their own in Parliament.
“I wish to assure them of continued blessings and support to build Navua into a robust economic bowl of Fiji.”
