THE Suva Magistrate’s Court has ruled that former parliamentarian Peceli Vosanibola has a case to answer on corruption-related charges brought by FICAC.
Magistrate Joseph Daurewa delivered the ruling yesterday, finding there was sufficient evidence on each element of the two offences for the matter to proceed to the defence stage.
Mr Vosanibola is charged with one count of providing false information to a public servant and one count of obtaining a financial advantage.
It is alleged that on January 29, 2019, he falsely declared to the then acting secretary-general to Parliament, Viniana Namosimalua, that his permanent place of residence was Navuloa Village, Bureta, Ovalau.
FICAC further alleges that between August 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020, he obtained a financial advantage of $19,749.50 by submitting allowance claims while residing permanently in Nadera, Nasinu.
Following the ruling, the court advised Mr Vosanibola of his legal options, including his right to remain silent, give evidence, or call witnesses in his defence.
The matter was adjourned to August 28 for Mr Vosanibola to indicate how he intended to proceed.
