NEW Military Commander Brigadier General Mosese Tikoitoga says the army will remain independent as enshrined in the Constitution.
He made the comment after officially taking the post of commander at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua last week.
Brig-Gen Tikoitoga said the Constitution would form the basis for all future dealings with the Prime Minister, his government and his political party.
“Our independence is guaranteed in the Constitution, our role is in the Constitution and because we helped create the Constitution our independence is guaranteed,” he said.
He said the RFMF would follow the principles of the Constitution and uphold its principles to the letter.
“As the new commander of the RFMF, I want to solemnly declare before the nation my commitment to the 2013 Constitution which incorporates the vision we all share for a new and better Fiji,” Brig-Gen Tikoitoga said.
“Under my command, the RFMF will obey, defend and protect that Constitution and the new democracy that, together we are all creating.”
Brig-Gen Tikoitoga said the personal relationship between the military and its former commander would not affect the role of the military.
“I would be lying if I tell you that we will sever all relationship ties with Bainimarama because he has served with us and been amongst us for 39 years.
“Personally, we will continue to be a very warm relationship with him but professionally as commander and a member of the RFMF, our professional relationship will depend on what is guaranteed or what’s stated in the Constitution.
“That will be our professional relationship between his political party, his government and the army.”
