Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on Tuesday gave Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara (aka Roko Ului) assurance that he is free to continue the responsibilities of his late father — the Tui Nayau, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
Before drinking the first bowl of yaqona at the opening of the Lau Provincial Council meeting at Suva’s Studio 6 yesterday, the Prime Minister turned to Roko Ului — who was seated on his right — and said, “welcome home”.
Roko Ului escaped to Tonga in 2011 and remained in exile until the FijiFirst government was voted out in the 2022 General Election.
“I am so thankful to have Roko Ului here with us,” Mr Rabuka said.
“He came and went back because he was not sure of his status in Fiji.
“But I thank the authorities who have confirmed he can now live freely in Fiji. This is the place where he rightfully belongs.
“He will continue to carry on the responsibilities of his late father, the Tui Nayau, Ratu Kamisese Mara, to the vanua and the nation.”
Mr Rabuka said Roko Ului was a free man.
Vosa Kotobalavu, 60, of Komo in Kaba, said she was emotional seeing Roko Ului at the meeting because he reminded those present of the late Tui Nayau.
