Retired High Court judge Justice Filimoni Jitoko has been nominated by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to serve as the next Speaker of the House. Prime Minister Rabuka confirmed this development, stating that the Cabinet had indeed reached a decision regarding the new Speaker. “Yes, we have a nominee, and that is the retired Justice Filimoni Jitoko,” he remarked when questioned about the nomination.
Justice Jitoko has an esteemed career in the judiciary, having previously served as the Chief Justice of the Nauru Supreme Court from 2017 and as the Registrar from 2015 to 2017. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand, obtained in 1978, and graduated from the University of the South Pacific in 1969.
According to the 2013 Constitution, the position of Speaker becomes vacant immediately before the first meeting of Parliament following a general election or if the individual assumes another public office. The Constitution also mandates that at the first sitting after a general election, and whenever a vacancy arises, Parliament must elect a Speaker who is not a member of Parliament but qualifies as a candidate.
The upcoming Parliamentary session is slated for December 7, providing Justice Jitoko a timely opportunity to step into this significant role.
This nomination reflects the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that experienced legal professionals are involved in legislative processes. As Parliament gears up for its next session, there is optimism for extensive discussions and advancements on key issues that will benefit the nation.
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