STOP voting for coup makers, Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube has urged Fijians, arguing that the country’s history of political upheaval continues to carry a heavy social and economic cost.
Speaking on The Fiji Times online portal The Lens@177, Mr Narube rejected descriptions of Fiji’s coup leaders as political “rock stars”, saying a more accurate label would be “coup makers”.
He said Fiji remained vulnerable to individuals who had seized power through unconstitutional means and later entered politics.
“Unfortunately, we vote them to be the Prime Minister,” Mr Narube said.
The former Reserve Bank governor said he had consistently urged voters to break that pattern.
“I have said it repeatedly, let’s stop voting in coup makers to lead us. Please let’s stop it.”
Mr Narube argued that coups had inflicted lasting damage on the nation and its people.
“They have hurt us, and the people. I ask people to please understand that.”
While critical of coup leaders, he stressed that his comments were not directed at the military as an institution.
“I’m just talking about the coup makers. I’m not talking about the military personnel generally. We have some very good military personnel.”
Mr Narube said anyone aspiring to lead the country should seek power through democratic means.
“I’m asking everybody that if anyone wants to get into the leadership of the country, come through the front door. Please don’t jump in through the window.
“Hopefully there’s no more coup. But in future, let’s choose the right leader, not based on emotion that he did a coup two years ago.”
Narube eyes immunity provisions removal
UNITY Fiji would remove constitutional immunity provisions and allow the courts to determine accountability for past coup leaders, according to party leader Savenaca Narube.
Speaking on The Fiji Times online portal The Lens@177, Mr Narube said his party believed in equal treatment under the law and that no individual should be shielded from legal scrutiny.
Asked whether former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama and current Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka should face imprisonment if immunity protections were removed, Mr Narube said the matter should be left to the judicial process.
“We leave it to the jurisdiction process,” he said.
“They have to be accountable.”
Mr Narube stressed that any determination of guilt or innocence should be made by the courts rather than politicians.
The former Reserve Bank governor argued that accountability was a fundamental principle of justice and should apply equally to all citizens, regardless of their status or position.
“There is a coup maker who has just spent over 20 so years in jail.
“We need to have one rule for all if they are found guilty by the court.”
Mr Narube’s comments come amid ongoing debate over constitutional reform and provisions granting immunity for actions linked to Fiji’s coups.
He maintained that the legal system should be allowed to operate independently and that accountability for past actions should ultimately be determined through due process before the courts.
