A trial date has been established for Niko Nawaikula, a former member of the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA). Nawaikula has initiated legal action against former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, and the Office of the Attorney-General, claiming they acted unlawfully and negligently when advising former Speaker Ratu Epeli Nailatikau to expel him from Parliament.
This issue arose in August 2021 when Nawaikula was dismissed for using a name not recorded on his birth certificate. His birth certificate lists him as Nikolau Tuiqamea, while in Parliament, he used the name Niko Nawaikula. The previous Chief Justice, Kamal Kumar, had previously examined this matter and found no issues.
Following the dismissal of that case, Nawaikula continued with his lawsuit against the officials for the negligent advice leading to his removal. He appeared before Justice Usaia Ratuvili at the High Court in Suva with his new attorney, Sevuloni Valenitabua.
During the proceedings, Valenitabua informed the court that they had received the defense’s plea, which they had requested, and were prepared to set a date for the hearing. He also indicated that only one witness would be called. Once both parties confirmed there were no further issues to address, the court adjourned the case until the scheduled trial dates. The court has set the trial for April 28-30, 2025.