Former Permanent Secretary for Fisheries Vuetasau Buatoka and former Fisheries director Maciu Lagibalavu have today claimed that the allegations against them have been fabricated as they gave unsworn statements in the defense today.

Buatoka also told the assessors that the key witness in the case, Farook Saheb, the owner of Saheb Holdings, was never called in to give evidence.

He said that what they had planned to do in terms of allowing Saheb Holdings Limited a dispensation period to renew its fishing licenses, was within the bounds of the powers vested upon him and was done in the interest of the company which was a totally local owned fishing company. He highlighted that due to the allegations, the company’s vessels were illegally seized and they have since packed up and left the country.

Buatoka told the court that there was no intention of bad faith on his part and he did not grant the dispensation period to Saheb Holdings for any personal gain, but to ensure that the company is able to continue operating.

He also claimed that since the removal of all government CEOs in December last year and the allegations against him, he has not been able to find any employment. Lagibalavu echoed similar sentiments saying that they followed all proper procedures.

The case is adjourned till Monday for closing submissions from the counsels.