NFP Calls for Criminal Charges against Manumanunitoga

The National Federation Party (NFP) has called on the Fiji Police Force to investigate Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) General Secretary Paula Manumanunitoga over alleged racist and threatening remarks made on social media.

NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad has condemned the Facebook statements, which allegedly questioned the right of certain Fijians to belong in the country and included threats to catch people and roast them in earth ovens.

Professor Prasad described the remarks as disgraceful, dangerous and potentially criminal, saying they were particularly concerning coming from the head of an organisation representing teachers.

He said individuals holding leadership positions in educational organisations had a responsibility to promote respect, tolerance and unity rather than racial division.

“This is racial hatred accompanied by threats of horrific violence. It is absolutely reprehensible that such language should come from the General Secretary of an organisation representing teachers, who are entrusted with educating our children and shaping the values of future generations,” Professor Prasad said.

He also rejected any suggestion that Indo-Fijians were foreigners in Fiji, stressing that their ancestors had contributed significantly to the country’s development.

Professor Prasad said respect for traditional chiefs should never be used to justify racial intimidation or threats of violence against other communities.

The NFP believes the statements warrant investigation under Section 17 of the Public Order Act 1969, relating to incitement of racial antagonism, and Sections 65(2) and 375 of the Crimes Act 2009, concerning communal antagonism and criminal intimidation.

Professor Prasad has urged the Commissioner of Police to immediately investigate the matter and pursue criminal charges if sufficient evidence of an offence is established.

He confirmed that NFP Assistant General Secretary Apenisa Vatuniveivuke would lodge a formal complaint at Totogo Police Station tomorrow morning.

The party has also called on the FTA to recognise the seriousness of the allegations involving its General Secretary.

Professor Prasad said Fiji had experienced enough racial division, intimidation and political upheaval and warned against allowing such attitudes to become normalised.

“No Fijian should have to defend their right to belong in the country of their birth. We cannot build a peaceful nation while tolerating threats against people because of their ethnicity,” he said.

“Fiji belongs equally to all its citizens. Racism must have consequences, and those who threaten violence against fellow Fijians must be held accountable.”