THE people’s President, a man with many qualities who is an inspiration to many Fijians — Ratu Epeli Nailatikau — was officially farewelled at Government House in Suva yesterday.
In a fitting ceremony attended by state officials, diplomats, friends and families, the men of the vanua of Nabukebuke from Namosi accorded a moving traditional ceremony to farewell Fiji’s President of six years.
Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, who spoke on behalf of the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, said Ratu Epeli was a man honoured by every Fijian of different background.
“This is the day filled with sadness but also with intense pride as we gather to formally farewell his Excellency the President as he has come to the end of six years as our head of state,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
“Few people who have held the highest office on our land came to the job of the President well prepared, few have performed the role with such distinction and a few have been held in such personal regard by every Fijian is Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
“He is admired and he is loved because of not only his social status in the high office during his lustrous career, he has had a unique ability to connect with every Fijian from different background.”
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum labelled Ratu Epeli as the people’s President.
The A-G also highlighted that there were many memories of Ratu Epeli whether they were visits to hospitals or the comfort he brought to people in times of natural disasters.
“Young people remember him for his visits to our schools and tireless campaigns to warn on the danger of HIV/ AIDS.
“He visited almost every high school in Fiji with his safe sex message and there is no doubt that the President many great Fijian loves and we all owe him a depth of gratitude for that,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
Ratu Epeli, he added steered the Fijian nation through some momentous events with energy, commitment, wisdom, judgment and a sense of fair claim.
