SODELPA Rejects Manumanunitoga’s Remarks

SODELPA leader Aseri Radrodro has condemned inflammatory remarks by Paula Manumanunitoga, saying defending traditional chiefs does not justify threats, abusive language or racial division.

In a statement responding to Manumanunitoga’s social media post, Radrodro called for calm and responsible public discussion.

The party said the post included threats about “roasting” fellow citizens in earth ovens and racially divisive comments directed at non-indigenous Fijians over the 1874 Deed of Cession.

“Having a political opinion or defending our chiefs does not give anyone a licence to use abusive language, make violent threats, or issue rhetoric that risks creating deep ethnic divisions among our people,” Radrodro said.

He said Manumanunitoga was entitled to his views, but freedom of expression must be exercised with responsibility, maturity and respect.

Radrodro reaffirmed SODELPA’s commitment to the dignity of the vanua, indigenous heritage and traditional chiefs, while rejecting intimidation or hostility towards other communities.

He said chiefs should not face personal attacks or contempt, but discussions about traditional institutions must be grounded in facts, reasoned arguments and mutual respect.

“Threatening language and inflammatory rhetoric do not protect our chiefs; they only diminish the nobility of the causes we seek to uphold,” he said.

Radrodro said Fiji’s strength rested on peaceful coexistence, constitutional order and respect among all ethnic groups, describing the vanua as a foundation of care and unity.

SODELPA urged public figures, community advocates and citizens to avoid statements that promote fear or ethnic division and contribute instead to constructive dialogue that strengthens Fiji’s unity and peace.