Those with intentions to sway the military for their own agenda have been warned to “go somewhere else”.
This was part of Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua’s message at the National Federation Party (NFP) annual convention in Sigatoka yesterday, where he delivered a no-holds barred speech which centered on the Republic off Fiji Military Forces (RFMF).
Mr Tikoduadua commended the RFMF for its role in maintaining national security, but also conceded that it was the RFMF who had been a part of the political strife that rocked the nation.
“I need to keep the peace and the decisions to keep the peace are not easy and in that context I want to tell you, this Government, we are the longest Coalition Government,” he said.
“In a few weeks, we will be two years and the reason in the past why any government did not go beyond the time we had been in power is because the military always comes and does a coup.
“I’m only making to you a statement of fact and I can tell you honestly at this time that we have come a long way as a coalition building stability.”
He said they had worked hard as a coalition to be able to build confidence in the RFMF.
Mr Tikoduadua said they were not confrontational, and they understood each other’s turmoil.
“I can tell you it wasn’t easy. I do not have to repeat history but I can tell you this. The first eight months going into the first year, the survival of the Coalition Government was not easy.
“Let me assure you here today and our general public, the relationship between the RFMF and the Coalition Government is healthy, sustainable and it is here for Fiji’s future. There is no reason for you to worry.
“I would like to reinforce that to you, particularly our Indo-Fijian brethren.
“For those of you who still want to exert your political will over this institution, go somewhere else. It’s not going to take your political will forward. If you want to be a politician, carry your own weight.”
