31 MAR 2008 -www.fijilive.com
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A Fijian chief believes the country could become a ‘crisis’ zone unless the position of Fiji Vice President is filled and the appointment of members of the Great Council of Chiefs done as soon as possible.
GCC taskforce chairman Ratu Josateki Nawalowalo told Fijilive it is imperative that members of the GCC are appointed soon otherwise the country is doomed.
“With all due respect, what if something goes wrong with the head of government and his position is left vacant?
“We will have no choice but to have the interim Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama take over his position because the VP and the GCC has not been appointed yet.
“That’s the reason we are trying to appoint the chiefs to sit in the council, but a few provinces have turned renegade on us. They don’t realize the consequences that will follow.”
Nawalowalo was referring to five provinces that have not shown support for the military-led interim Government and its initiatives.
He said that resentment of the interim Government will not get any better if the Prime Minister decides to become the head of government.
“So why don’t the chiefs and the people come aboard and support the interim Government and let life go on because if they continue to drag this then surely a crisis is imminent.
“It’s now or never and its time to make a wise choice for the people of Fiji.”
He is also pleading with the 14 Fijian provinces not to hesitate in appointing their high chiefs as their respective representatives to the GCC, so that the appointment of the VP is done.
“Our priority is to appoint the Vice President as soon as possible to fill the vacant position.”
He said the taskforce is confident that the new-look GCC will be ready to convene in two months.
“We are planning to hold the first meeting in June.”
Meanwhile the taskforce will be visiting the province of Serua next on April 10 to present to them the interim Cabinet’s decision on changes to the GCC.
The Naitasiri Provincial Council last week rejected the changes.
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