FORMER police commissioner and Fiji high commissioner to Papua New Guinea Romanu Tikotikoca has stepped down as a provisional candidate of the National Federation Party amid allegations of rape.
Mr Tikotikoca was announced as a provisional candidate for NFP during the party’s candidates announcement this month.
In a statement issued by the former diplomat yesterday, Mr Tikotikoca said he deemed it proper to withdraw his provisional candidacy for NFP as he proceeded to clear his name.
“I absolutely and categorically deny the allegation, which is a complete fabrication and lie. It is a despicable attempt to defame my character and bring ridicule and contempt to my family and I,” he said.
“This is a matter of integrity purely for me and my family and not of NFP.”
Mr Tikotikoca confirmed he would be taking legal action against two local media outlets for reporting that he allegedly raped a maid working at the Fijian High Commissioner’s residence during his tenure as Fiji’s high commissioner to PNG in 2014.
NFP leader Professor Biman Prasad yesterday confirmed Mr Tikotikoca’s withdrawal and also wished him well.
“We have accepted Mr Tikotikoca’s reasons for the withdrawal and believe it was the right thing to do following allegations levelled against him,” Prof Prasad said.
