Naupoto’s Appointment to Government Is a Mistake Claims Niko Nawaikula

Concerns have been raised over the appointment of Viliame Naupoto as Minister for Immigration, with former member of Parliament Niko Nawaikula questioning why a former key figure in Fiji’s past military regime has been given such an important role.

Speaking on the matter, Niko stated that bringing Naupoto into the government was a mistake.

"Naupoto was responsible for enforcing travel bans, deporting government critics, and supporting policies that harmed Fijians. While immunity may protect him from prosecution, it does not erase his role in those actions," Nawaikula said.

He further argued that rewarding Naupoto and his colleagues with ministerial positions was a betrayal of those who suffered under the dictatorship.

According to Niko, their inclusion in government is unnecessary, especially when the administration has not yet secured enough votes to amend the 2013 Constitution.

"Taxpayers are now paying millions of dollars in salaries for ministers who do not contribute to achieving the 75% parliamentary threshold required for constitutional changes. What is the real motive behind these appointments?" Niko questioned.

He emphasized that democracy should not be built by welcoming figures from a past regime without holding them accountable for their actions. "This is about principle, not just politics," Niko stated.