Hundreds of mourners lined the streets of Suva at dawn today as the nation paid tribute to the late former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
As the first light broke, the capital came to a standstill, with people from all walks of life gathering along the route of the funeral cortege from Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
Many stood in silence, heads bowed and eyes filled with tears, as the procession made its way through the city.
Escorted with full military honours by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the Fiji Navy, the cortege moved along Waimanu Road, Mark Street and Victoria Parade.
Shop owners paused their morning routines, while commuters stopped to pay their respects, reflecting the deep admiration held for a leader often described as the “people’s President”.
Ratu Epeli, who passed away on March 26 at the age of 84, was remembered as a distinguished statesman, former military commander and Speaker of Parliament.
Many mourners recalled his humility and connection with ordinary Fijians, noting how he would often walk among the people.
Following the procession, his body will lie in state at State House today before a church service at Albert Park tomorrow morning.
He will be taken to his ancestral home on Bau Island for burial at the sacred Sau Tabu tomorrow afternoon.
