The Australian newspaper reports the removal of Colonel Ben Naliva as deputy commander of the 7th Brigade of the Australian Defence Force ( see previous story) but sidelining him into a research role hasn’t appeased one of his accusers – the colourful Suva businessman, Ben Padarath. Padarath wants Naliva sacked from the ADF altogether and presumably returned to Fiji, something that isn’t going to happen.
Why? Well, as Grubsheet has long reported and The Australian also reflects, Naliva is the RFMF officer most likely to object to the jailing of his patron and close friend, Frank Bainimarama, and the Fijians and Australians want him as far away from military headquarters in Suva as possible. If that means keeping an alleged torturer on the ADF payroll, so be it.
As we’ve previously reported, both the RFMF Commander, Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, and the Home Affairs Minister, Pio Tikoduadua, vouched for Ben Naliva when they put him forward for the attachment as deputy commander with the ADF. The decision by the Australians to remove him suggests that the Aussies now accept that he took part in human rights violations in 2006. And that is a huge slap in the face for Kalouniwai and Tikoduadua and a huge embarrassment for Fiji.
Yes, he should be removed altogether from Australian Army. I support Ben Padarath. I will support anyone who stands up against all these men who abused others and what was a gross violation of human rights. Do the deed. Pay the price. There is no place anywhere for these men but behind the prison cells.
Rabuka, that INCLUDES YOU! Get ready.
Wearing an immunity medal and giving speeches of leadership and hope. You are miserable pig. Your time will come too.