Two past presidents and a former military commander vouched for former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama, says Magistrate Seini Puamau.
While sentencing Mr Bainimarama yesterday, Ms Puamau said the trio attested to a long and distinguished career in the military and as Prime Minister of Fiji.
She said they wrote glowing references in respect of his courage and steadfastness in leadership, love of family, and of the policies he implemented within the RFMF and as Prime Minister of Fiji.
Ms Puamau then referenced letters from Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Major General (Retd) Jioji Konrote and former RFMF Commander Viliame Naupoto.
In his letter, Ratu Epeli said Mr Bainimarama’s quick actions in the May 2000 coup led to what Fiji is today.
“Had he not acted as he did, the Fiji we know now would have been a very different Fiji,” said Ratu Epeli.
Mr Konrote said when he joined the FijiFirst party, he shared Mr Bainimarama’s vision to develop and progress Fiji.
“Within the political arena he had shown me mutual respect as the honourable PM during my short stint as Cabinet minister and parliamentarian in his government,” said Mr Konrote.
Mr Naupoto also shared that the former PM was a dedicated father, grandfather and husband whose love for family translated into his love and faithful service to the people of Fiji.
Meawhile, former attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said “today, substantive justice prevailed”.