The Coalition government is again in crisis with the astonishing decision by SODELPA to choose Aseri Radrodro as its next leader and its demand that he be immediately reinstated to his old job of Minister for Education.
It is a direct challenge to the authority of the Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, who removed Radrodro from the cabinet for alleged insubordination. His Coalition partner has put him in an impossible position – reinstate Radrodro or face the possibility of SODELPA withdrawing its support for the Coalition and triggering a change of government.
To anyone other than the unthinking fanatics prepared to risk all in support of their man, it is madness on an epic scale. Aseri Radrodro is not only a domestic violence abuser who almost killed the Prime Minister’s daughter in a savage attack a decade ago. He is the “love rat” who left his wife’s bed in the Windsor Hotel in Melbourne during a parliamentary visit last year to engage in “brutal” sex with his fellow minister, Lynda Tabuya – the notorious “Minister for Bonking and Weed”.
Much of the electorate is already aghast that the Prime Minister defied his own party by retaining Tabuya as Minister for Women and Children when the PAP’s disciplinary committee found the allegations of a drug-fuelled sex encounter with Aseri Radrodro proven and its Executive Council stripped her of the position of deputy leader. Now, incredibly, he is being obliged to restore the adulterer who almost killed his daughter to the position of Education Minister.
No further sign is needed of the moral depravity at the heart of the Coalition government and the pressing need for it to be removed at the earliest possible opportunity. It is a rabble of adulterers, woman bashers, liars, plus a conga line of ministers being investigated by FICAC or the police. And it has come to present a clear and present danger to the national interest.
If Sitiveni Rabuka has any mettle at all, he must stand up to his SODELPA partners and draw a line in the sand. If he capitulates, then he has forfeited the right to govern. Because the standard of governance in Fiji under this gaggle of misfits has reached rock bottom.
The Prime Minister must hold the line. And if SODELPA brings down the Coalition, so be it. In three months time, the Constitution allows for the calling of a fresh election. And the Fijian people can be given the chance they deserve to pronounce their verdict on a government that promised change for the better but is much worse than its predecessor and is debasing the nation and its values across a broad front.
A fresh election would have two positive outcomes. With Aseri Radrodro at the head of SODELPA, any chance of it making the 5 per cent threshold to get any seats at all has been destroyed. And it would also spell the end of the NFP, whose leader, “Baimann” Prasad, has betrayed NFP voters by failing to “keep the bastards honest” and arrest the Coalition’s racist policies. Both these “leaders” deserve to be propelled into the political wilderness.
This would also leave the nation with a straightforward head-to-head contest between the FijiFirst Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu – who must first shake off the yoke of Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum – and whoever the People’s Alliance chooses to lead it into a fresh election. Sitiveni Rabuka is damaged goods but does Manoa Kamikamica have what it takes to win outright? With the Prime Minister shedding credibility by the day, it is certainly high time for a new generation of leaders with mass appeal. But who?
SODELPA is very comfortable with a domestic violence perpetrator, full time cheater to his wife and mutineer to the PM, to hold high office for their party and in Fiji government.
I bet their meeting that decided this started and finished with a prayer to seek blessing for this man.
Their expectations are that the voting public will love their Christian faith and practices.
The new SODELPA boss will be the education minister by next Friday, be it in the current government or the one preparing for the imminent meltdown of the coalition.
Goodbye “I have the means” and the cheap lamb chops et al.
Prepare for a return of the Jedi !!
I read somewhere yesterday a quote from Bishop Desmond Tutu which went something like this: “even if you are really bad, you are not useless. You can be used as a bad example “. If SODELPA sees fit to raise this poor example of a man to their leadership role and figurehead, it speaks to the rot in Fiji Society whereby 67% of women in partnered relationships have experienced domestic violence and abusive control in any 12 month period, at the hands of their partners (and figurative household leaders). Domestic violence and abusive control crosses all socio economic and educational strata. So in any meeting place, including one must assume SODELPA meetings, ministries, civil servants, school meetings, buses, queues or grog sessions, it is a reasonable assumption that approximately 6 of the men in any group of 20 would have abused their wives or defects within the previous 12 months. The figures on abuse of children and girls are equally shocking to most, but it is in fact, the norm. Maybe that’s why SODELPA management, plus his lover romanticism about brutality of sexual encounters, the PM and father of an abuse victim (at the hands of AR) see it as normal and absolutely no impediment to anything at all, even leadership of a political party, which if extrapolated, means a potential future PM.
It’s not normal, it’s a crime. It’s not normal. It’s a sign of mental illness.
We knew that AR is a dangerous man. Now we know that SODELPA is full of them, and if the coalition bends to this newest travesty, the entire coalition (or 67%of them) are also dangerous men.
Disgusting.
Are there no depths left for this government to plumb?
We always think not, surely not, but there is always something worse just around the corner.
O m f g
Biman’s jumping up and down panic attack.
Graham, did you not see this coming?
It was written all over SODELPA the day Aseri was removed.
What’s interesting here is seeing corrupt men destroy each other.
One after the another.
Oh, this is the time to be alive as an indo-fijian.
As much as I hate a woman basher, I am glad that this basher will bash Rabuka out of his leadership for life.
Karma is a bitch. Get a taste of your medicine and give some to Tabuya too.
Do it Aseri.
Good job.
Get rid of them all.
Save the country if you can. Maybe that will be the legacy you can leave behind.
You must be under the influence of the “weed” Lynda had been smoking as her lover boy brutalised her nethers.
Brutal
Nearly fell off my chair when I read this.
What on earth!
This is laughable and I cannot wait to see the grin wiped off Biman’s face. He must be worried like hell. Better run to Naidu for advice.
Where is the country going with these clowns? No end to all things miserable.
Thank you GD. Another well written article.
The new title “Lynda Tabuya’s brutaliser.”
Classic and too good.
Maybe she will jump party to be with her lover. Crikey 🙂
We are deeply frustrated with the deteriorating political landscape in Fiji with increasing concerns about leadership and governance. Almost all aspects of life are being critically, and both overtly and insidiously impacted. This dire turn warrants a constructive and nuanced discussion to address the complexities effectively the foundational challenges of democracy being confronted..
The ‘fish rots from the head’ and our government collective needs to urgently deal with the rogue elements in the government collective wherever they come from. With political parties like SODELPA appearing to exploit coalition arrangements for vested extremist interest. This behavior not only undermines governance but also risks fostering extremist and fundamentalist sentiments within the overall community.
Furthermore, our PM Rabuka is a master tactician at dividing the people and exploiting the divisions. Knowing fully well that the government is hanging by a thin thread, PM’s politics now is focused on retaining power at all costs, employ divisive tactics that shield them from accountability for their actions. This approach creates a toxic environment where personal interests supersede the needs of the people.
Daemon Beeman’s conduct, seemingly self-serving and disconnected from the populace, reflects a broader issue of leaders neglecting their responsibility to serve the interests of those who entrusted them with power. He is a signatory to the current & emerging chaos and will be remembered in history for selling out what NFP stood for and for signing off the demise and disenfranchisement of some significant sections of our community.
The situation is exacerbated by the imbalance within the coalition, with SODELPA wielding disproportionate influence despite its minimal seat count. Meanwhile, the NFP, with a larger mandate, struggles to exert any meaningful influence within this arrangement.
Indeed, the NFP faces a pivotal decision: continue within a failing coalition, risking further erosion of credibility and die in oblivion, or prioritize the interests of the nation by disengaging from a setup that compromises its principles. Maybe, NFP’s failure and ultimate demise is by design.
PAP’s ears to SODELPA seem more sympathetic than to NFP – as the claimed ‘wobbly’ arrangement.
As predicted by others, one feels if an election is called now, both SODELPA and NFP will be decimated. This may be a healthy step to take and to take sooner rather than later if we are to recover and re-build democracy.
Ultimately, the consequences of this dysfunctional governance are dire. Without swift corrective action, Fiji risks descending into governmental failure, exacerbating existing challenges and eroding public trust. This is going to hit us hard. The next generation of leaders will have to reset/rebuild the country. It seems the worst is yet to come! It’s imperative that leaders prioritize national interests over personal agendas to collectively and harmoniously restore faith in Fiji’s political institutions and secure a brighter future for all citizens.
Wow. @dystopian-sadly your observations/analysis is spot on. Great summary of how dumb this country really is where voting remains as tribal/provincial as its ever been. Rapist, heinous violence towards women, pillaged, stealing, all do not matter when elections come around.
Voters don’t understand the attitude that voting for someone is endorsing their behavior. Or liking them. Or anything else like that. It is a strategic decision. Who will get closer to what I would prefer, not who will do what I prefer.
He seems well qualified for the job if we look around at many of the other Coalition leaders. Misogynist: tick. Liar: tick. Power hungry: tick. Narcissistic: tick. Can’t keep it in the pants: tick. Dishonourable: tick…and the list goes on and on and on.
Country left in a very miserable state right now.
Will NFP do the right thing and form Coalition with FF? Will FF even have Biman?
I cannot name a single leader in the Coalition that stands out a respected human. All corrupt and worse than any democratically elected government in history.
Days are seriously numbered for the Coalition and what a state to leave Fiji at right now.
Fiji First will never merge with NFP
FFP will have a mass exodus of their supporters, if Coalition happens
This is a deliberate and tactical move by SODELPA. These guys are the king makers and will not be bullied by Rabuka. Gavoka lacks courage to speak out on his party’s behalf and his free “trip of a lifetime” to the holy land ensures he keeps his mouth shut. With the appointment of Aseri – get ready for a showdown. Things are gonna get interesting. Grab your popcorn and drinks and enjoy the show that is about to unfold.
Their king-making days are only until another election is held. Then it is political oblivion.
There’s no secret in Fiji and sometimes we in Fiji are given to exaggeration, maybe just to embellish or give emphasis to a yarn. So to understand SODELPA’s board action two things need to be borne in mind: past perception and current perception.
Past perception is maybe where the exaggeration comes in. There were stories circulation that in seeking SODELPA’s support, the PAP/NFP team actually begged like a suitor seeking a woman’s love.
It was even discussed within SODELPA that Manoa Kamikamica shed tears as he pleaded their case and it is not lost on SODELPA that it was Aseri Radrodro’s attempt to accommodate MK’s recommendations for the FNU board that got him into trouble with the PM and led to his demotion.
The current perception in SODELPA is they were conned by PAP and the NFP. Practically all members of that negotiating team, except PM Rabuka, are under investigation for corrupt practises.
The punishing of Aseri Radrodro while Lynda Tabuya is let off the hook by the prime minister serves to cement the conclusion that PAP does not take the SODELPA partnership seriously.
From where I sit the SODELPA Management Board is justified. PAP and the NFP have bungled it: they dropped the ball.
There’s no turning back. SODELPA is assessing their chances at the next election, whether they stand a better chance of winning more seats with or without the PAP?
Every political analyst knows PAP got its numbers by eating into SODELPA’s taukei heartland, as I do Fijians remained United behind PAP.
It’s better for SODELPA to slay the PAP dragon once and for all when it has an opportunity, than sit back and allow itself to be further humiliated I. From of their heartland.
PAP has been truly snookered by SODELPA, and he himself is the one to blame because of his “daidai” (lies) and failure to adhere to firm principles of governance.
The PM either has to buckle to SODELPA’s demands, giving Radrodro back the education portfolio as well as making him Deputy Prime Minister in place of former party leader, Gavoka, or else we will see a new government in place pit there by the kingmaker.
PAP will fall away into irrelevance and we’ll see an enduring new partnership between Indo Fijians and itaukei that can only be good for the country.
This is delusional.
For all his flaws, only the PM can decide on who is the minister, not any management board “kingmaker” or otherwise.
Whether the elections are held in less than 3 months or 3 years, it is doubtful SODELPA will gain more seats in parliament let alone retain their 3.
Because if Inia is able to brush off ASK’s influence permanently, FF is most likely to get back into power. And rather comfortably at that.
This PM Rabuka will do as he is told or else .. he will no longer be the PM.
and he desperately wants to stay PM for his personal glory !!
Fortune Teller needs a Fortune Cookie, lol. Sodelpa’s Management Board does not dictate terms to the Government of Fiji. Negotiations already done in 2022.
Sit down!
Well renegotiation will begin with Aseri now, and Rabuka has no choice but listen to him or else he will no longer be PM.
Interesting days ahead.
I don’t think we have realised the gravity of the power SODELPA holds here as kingmakers. They know it is a make or break for them. And they are very strategic here. PAP and NFP are gone. Not trusted. Biman is hated by the large voting “vulagi” community.
Therefore, the next best move in order to remain valid and Fiji to move forward, is for SODELPA to walk across the room to Fiji First.
Many Fijians are now tired. The leadership has shown no progress and nor has the country.
A fresh election is now a need.
Who the hell is SODELPA to demand such a thing?
This sort of attitude is clear that they don’t have the nation and its people at heart. So Freekon childish and a personal hunger for power.
Should RABUKA the snake ???? give in to their demands. Then the snake should understand that his head is on the chopping block no doubt.
Give them all a dagger each to stab each other and be done with their differences.
SODELPA is the whore of Fijian politics.
At least professional streetwalkers have some standards.
Correct! And it starts from their new leadership… As they say, “the fish always stinks from the head”.
Good that the country now gets to see the power-hungry, narcissistic and manipulative SWINES finally reveal their hand..
All of this infighting amongst the Coalition plays very nicely into FF’s hand. FF need not be a vocal opposition party at all. They can just sit back and enjoy the popcorn as they watch this comical psychodrama.
The new standards in Fiji are dizzying. You can be a minister if you haven’t committed treason.
If not then you atleast have to have a active corruption case against you.
If not you got to be a womanizer or a woman basher.
If not you have to be a pornstar or a home wrecker.
If not then you have to be racist as hell.
The new standards really are dizzying. This government really is setting new examples for our children.
What a rot and what a pile of shit these guys are. Is there really no hope left?
To say SODELPA have their heads in the sand is an understatement. Their entire upper torso is in their sand with only their bums out, ready for a brutal reality check. Where did they find these clowns who are so up themselves that they are tone deaf and so out of sync with political reality. We need a reset and hopefully the voters can make wise ticks in the next election.
If ever there was a lame duck, it is Sitiveni Rabuka as the powerless PM of Fiji.
His circus troop run rings around him while engaging in extra-marital drug fuelled orgies which seem to be sactioned/approved by him.
His ministers openly flaunt the constitution, engaging in conflicts of interest, nepotism and corruption.
His military commander stands accused of siding with a terrorist who was accidentally appointed to a senior role in the ADF (now reversed) as well as showing his inability to follow the constitution or protect it.
His police commissioner is a useless person who hasnt a clue on managing the force or guiding it in a unified direction (yes, I am told the bribery has returned and taxi drivers as well as private individuals are giving “lunch money” to the coppers when they’re stopped.
The president of the country is busy stroking his ego and doing everything he can to just stay in the presidential shack with his head buried in the sand and deaf to the world crumbling around him.
Like it or not, FF had the majority vote with ASK in it.
Stating that FF will win only without ASK is playing dumb really.
FF is coming back.
Simply because Rabuka has proven to be an ineffective leader through and through.
Game over.
Next.
Last year, former DPP Christopher Pryde (legitimately appointed DPP) announced that Rabuka was under investigation. That afternoon the DPP Pryde was laid off work and is still off work with pay while the so called (halt and nowhere to be seen) investigations continue.
Graham, do you know what was the investigation on Rabuka?
RABUKA is facing the worse of his life and wished he’d never committed the 1987 coup…
Yes the suffering of a nation for thirty five years is coming to an end.
The dumbest ideas of SODELPA will never happen also . They have gone from bad to worse also with a GS of no political experience.
This government with the opposition are actually sitting on their longest finger . They have screwed up a thriving and once a paradise nation Fiji
Sodelpa is a lost cause, just like their new loony-tune leaders who are delusional enough to think they might represent the interests of the i-taukei. LOL… Just who the hell are they..!
Reeks of narcissism, legends in their own twisted, depraved minds, that self-entitlement to national leadership when they don’t have the slightest idea what it really entails.
Please delusional swines.. you really must take your “con” elsewhere as everyone sees right through your BS!