The NFP leader, Biman Prasad, along with his family and supporters, try to put on a brave face as he appears in court in Suva – the once powerful deputy prime minister and minister of finance now sidelined, relegated to the backbench of parliament and facing a lengthy trial.
Why is his lawyer, Richard Naidu, looking so anxious? Because the rumour mill has it that he is next – with FICAC reportedly preparing a case against him arising out of the Ashton-Lewis Commission of Inquiry into the Malimali affair.
Naidu told the court that he would be seeking a High Court order for a permanent stay on the proceedings against the NFP leader, partly on the grounds of what he cast as the unlawful appointment of the Acting FICAC Commissioner, Lavi Rokoika, and because the charges relate to alleged offences ten years ago.
Yet whatever happens in the courts, It is going to be a rocky few months for the NFP as it heads for what many now believe is almost certain defeat at next year’s election – all of it self-inflicted.
Aside from having to stand down from the ministry, there is now renewed pressure for Biman Prasad to stand down as NFP Party Leader. Because how can he possibility hope to fight an election campaign with these charges hanging over him?
NOTE TO READERS: Some comments are being disallowed or amended on legal grounds. My regrets.
The Acting FICAC Commissioner, Lavi Rokoika, leading from the front in the Biman Prasad matter.
Prasad vs Prasad, coincidence or conflict? 🤔
When a sitting magistrate shares the same surname as the accused, and admits to having bought property from him years ago, people will talk.
Sure, Prasad is a common name. But in a small country like Fiji, names carry weight, and public trust depends not just on fairness, but the appearance of fairness.
Conflict of interest isn’t only about bias, it’s about what the public perceives.
Sometimes, just the name alone can raise enough doubt.
Justice must not only be done… it must be seen to be done. ⚖️
This episode of NFP is known as the ” GATHERING OF ALL CHORS”.
It should be made into a movie. Look at the faces of these f**king betrayers.
The deceitful dacoit who sold an entire minority community down the river to advance his personal pridefilled agenda to enrich himself.
It’s great to see the dirty smirk and cunning smile finally wiped off from this ugly mug.
If proper justice holds true (IF is a mighty big word, especially in Fiji), this dacoit will receive his deserved comeuppance and be sold up river himself.
Couldn’t be happening to a nicer arrogant dacoit.
Frankly, he along with all his turncoats are irrelevant.
Not worth the airtime!
He and his cohorts along with all the Uncle Toms will get their dues with VAT and interest and some change to spare one way or another
Besides most of these so-called patriots have one foot overseas and will jettison the ship at a moment’s notice.
Not sure what the road ahead is for Fiji but I hope we learn from history and do not keep repeating the same mistakes over and over again.
Not that it will happen, wouldn’t it be great if NONE of the politicians were allowed to contest again and all new parliamentarians had only one term in office?
Nirvana indeed
What is interesting (to borrow a favorite Butt Street word) is that this chor’s bail conditions do not include stop order departure nor the surrender of travel documents.
For someone facing serious criminal charges (innocent for now) carrying a potential custodial sentence.
While his sworn nemesis ASK is restricted even to change his local address.
I think it is ok for the for DPM not to declare his assets and liabilities as required, because, you know…..this is Fiji.
His defense lawyer is entitled to question the appointment of the FICAC and not address the charges before the court. I am sure there is logic in that, again, you know………this is Fiji.
All the supporters and hangers on are all so happy. I have not seen so much yellow grog-stained teeth in all my life put together!!!
Was Kirti Patel there?
Don’t worry, it will all go away very quickly. They have connections and they have hope.
In economics there is a concept known as the “Cantillon Effect”, named after a French physiocrat of two centuries ago. The Cantillon Effect states that the more you are closer to a source of money the more money you will get.
When the man who for three years was in charge of the nation’s purse strings appears in Court every baiya and his dog shows up. Even the likes of Fijian Holdings number one beneficiary, Colonel Raivoce.
Ragni was there. The only one missing in that pre Court menagerie was Dr Ganesh Chand.
He musta been away busy refurbishing his new school near Prince Charles Park, Nadi that he bought recently through a $7m fiscal gift from Mr Purse Strings himself.
Has anyone noticed the price of lamb chops increasing from the past few weeks?
“Naidu told the court that he would be seeking a High Court order for a permanent stay on the proceedings against the NFP leader, partly on the grounds of what he cast as the unlawful appointment of the Acting FICAC Commissioner, Lavi Rokoika, and because the charges relate to alleged offences ten years ago”
So Mr Neidoo ” two wrongs make it right” eh. And any case which is 10 years old must not be investigated and Courts must not hear the cases. Wha Wha Mr Lowyaar Babu. When did you become the AG and when was this enacted as law.
I say the Courts will throw this suggestion of yours in your sunless region. The Court will decide on the basis of “as it finds the law” and interprets it in its own right.
Lowyaar Babu Mr. Neidoo needs to get back to keeping the shitty times and freddy croaker in check.
Like, stop freddy croaker printing karia dacoit’s photos at the court house.
The Supreme Court has ruled that 2013 Constitution is legal and valid. It noted that three GE were held under that. At that time Saneem was the SEO. He did not mèet the required MQR. His appointment should than invalidate the the GE’s held during his tenure. Lowyaar Neidoo take note that your arguement holds no water ref Acting FICAC appointment invalidates the charges against your client.
Thought this day would never eventuate
But Fiji witnessed this finally !
Which ‘academic commitments’ does this shameless nepotistic pig
have ?
Thank you Ms. Lavi for being the voice of justice
For being the light Fiji so desperately needs in the corridors of Justice.
I laud you for standing up to all the dark forces that have engulfed our nation today.
Whatever the outcome of the case, Baiman can kiss his political career goodbye. During his 3 year stint, he confirmed allegations that NFP was a party for rich elites and oppressor of the poor and middle class, who were milked via Richard ‘I have the means’ Naidu’s 15% vat.
Baiman put the reduction of the national debt burden on taxpayers shoulders while MPs salaries increased, government ministers took unlimited overseas trips and operating expenditure increased.
Meanwhile, shit seeped in CWM Hospital.
A sign of the morass spreading under this pathetic government and its pathetic Finance Minister.
NFP was the party for Fiji Water, the client of Richi Rich’s law firm Munro Leys, given an unjustified 7 year tax holiday, funded by the increase in Vat. Baiman and NFP also represent the interests of big business like the Tappoos, given huge concessions at the expense of taxpayers.
He ignored the advice of his permanent secretary and finance ministry team to not increase vat. He listened to lawyer Richard Naidu instead of his experts.
While in opposition Biman swore to reduce the cost of living and reduce parliamentary salaries but once in power he did the complete opposite.
So he lied to get into power, which is why it’s fitting that he was removed. Next Richie Rich should be investigated. The Fiji Water tax holiday and Aspen contract secured by Munro Leys just as he was appointed Fiscal Review Committee chairman is an odd coincidence, even if Biman’s rumored girlfriend and his plant on the committee, Kirti Patel would have supported the move.
Biman also put librarian Kirti on the TELS board and tried to get her on the Unit Trust board as well but she was kicked of the latter as she was unqualified.
This is the same Baiman who was accusing Khaiyum of manipulating board appointments.
As someone commented, the worst finance minister in Fiji history who inflicted huge damage in a short period.
Thankfully it didn’t take karma long to strike back.