Ousted education minister Aseri Radrodro will not resign from Parliament.
Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) general secretary Viliame Takayawa said this while clarifying that no official SODELPA delegation visited Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa, to discuss the possibility of her joining the Coalition Government.
In an interview with this newspaper, he said Mr Radrodro represented the Naitasiri constituency in Parliament. “Mr Radrodro will continue to be a backbencher in Parliament,” Mr Takayawa said.
“Naitasiri is an important constituency for the political party, and he’ll be raising challenges faced by Naitasiri and other villagers.
“He has the backing of Naitasiri’s chiefs.”
Mr Takayawa’s comments follow discussions on social media that Rewa’s paramount chief could replace Mr Radrodro in Parliament after a delegation from the party reportedly visited Ro Teimumu.
“These talks are ridiculous, not any of it is true,” said Mr Takayawa.
He said there was an electoral process in place which needed to be followed if Mr Radrodro was to resign from Parliament.
“The process would follow due diligence if he resigns from the party, however, we want him to continue to serve as a backbencher.”
