(Additional Reporting by Nacanieli Tuilevuka)
SODELPA has reprimanded its general secretary Viliame Takayawa whose public criticism of a trade mission to Tonga has threatened the party’s alliance with the Coalition Government.
Party leader Aseri Radrodro said he formally directed Mr Takayawa to remove the social media post that criticised the mission led by Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica.
The decision comes in light of concerns raised by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka about the disturbing behaviour of SOLDEPA’s leadership causing him to reconsider the Coalition’s alliance with the party.
Yesterday, Mr Radrodro made attempts to patch the fractured relationship and reiterated SODELPA’s commitment to the coalition.
“In light of the sensitivities involved and in recognition of our responsibilities as a partner within the Coalition Government, I have formally directed the general secretary to remove the aforementioned social media post which he has explained that he did in his personal capacity,” said Mr Radrodro in a statement.
“This directive has been carried out.
“The matter will be addressed thoroughly at our next scheduled meeting of the party’s working committee, where it will be reviewed within the bounds of our constitution and internal governance protocols.”
He confirmed the matter would be reviewed at the party’s next working committee meeting in accordance with SODELPA’s constitution and internal governance protocols.
“We must always be reminded of our responsibility to ensure we are sensitive and wise in our dissemination of any discussion, and to do so through the appropriate forums.
“It is my solemn belief that this impasse will teach us all valuable lessons moving forward.
“With respect to SODELPA’s role in the coalition, we remain humbled that we were able to use our numbers to bring about the change our people wanted which has restored true democracy and freedom to our multicultural and multiracial nation.”
However, Mr Rabuka remained adamant while responding to the statement.
“He (Takayawa) is the general secretary whose words are the words of the party,” Mr Rabuka said in a message to this newspaper.
Mr Kamikamica shared similar sentiments while declining to comment any further on the issue.
“No comment. The Honourable PM has adequately expressed the collective concern,” said Mr Kamikamica.
