Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu paid an emotional tribute to his former Ratu Kadavulevu schoolmate, the late Asesela Cokanacagi who was laid to rest with his wife Meresiana in Lautoka yesterday.
Joined by his FijiFirst party leader Voreqe Bainimarama and other party members, Mr Seruiratu expressed his grief over the loss of Mr Cokanacagi, who tragically died in a horrific car accident with his wife and Jonacani Nawainaqila last week.
Speaking at the funeral service at the Coronation Church, Mr Seruiratu said his late friend embodied every quality of a good man.
“We are defined by our character,” said an emotional Mr Seruiratu.
“And Asesela was a man full of character.
“A man full of integrity, kindness and humility.”
Mr Seruiratu said the late Mr Cokanacagi played a significant role in developing Fiji’s pine industry and who had dedicated his life to helping his community.
“He was brought up by the vanua and who could see that in his character.
“It was because of his humility, his integrity and his respect for the vanua that we wanted him to be part of our party.”
Before standing in the 2022 General Election, Mr Cokanacagi worked at the Fiji Pine Group of Companies for 13 years.
The company also paid tribute to the late Mr Cokanacagi, lamenting that he had been a man of ethics and integrity.
“His fatherly mannerisms made him approachable, and his outgoing personality allowed many people of all walks of life to associate easily with him,” a statement from the company said.
