Saturday 5th October 2019
The National Federation Party has lodged an application with Police for a permit to march on Fiji Day to highlight the continuous delay in the conclusion of the investigation into the alleged assault of NFP President Pio Tikoduadua by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
NFP General Secretary Seni Nabou has confirmed to the Fiji Times that an application on behalf of the Party was lodged by her with the Divisional Police Commander Southern on Wednesday, within the 7 day notice period stipulated by law.
Nabou said the application to police is for a permit to allow a maximum of 5,000 NFP members, supporters and well-wishers to march through Suva City from Rodwell Road to Constitution Avenue on Fiji Day on Thursday 10th October.
“The NFP wants to highlight issues about the rule of law, genuine democracy and is concerned about delays by police in concluding the investigation into the alleged assault of Mr Tikoduadua by the Prime Minister”.
“The fact that investigations were not completed is cemented by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions decision to return the file that police had submitted to it (ODPP) and has directed police to further investigate the matter”.
“Today is Day 57 since the alleged assault took place on August 9. It was viewed by hundreds of thousands of people after footage of the event, which was captured on a parliament camera went viral on social media”.
“The NFP supporters are rightly asking why the alleged aggressor is still free to globe-trot and earn hefty salaries and perks while the victim has been suspended from parliament and has lost all privileges including his salary”.
“On Fiji Day on 10th October, it will be 62 days since the alleged assault. This is causing serious disquiet and concern amongst our supporters who want to demonstrate peacefully to highlight the issue”.
“We have also written to the Fiji Roads Authority seeking permission to use the route from Rodwell Road to Constitution Avenue on October 10”.
Authorised by:
Hon. Prof. Biman Prasad
Leader
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