The Tui Tavua and Ousted Chairperson of the Great Council of Chiefs said it regrettable that the Interim Prime Minister continues to attack the highest institution of the Fijian people which is held in high regard by all citizens of Fiji.

Ratu Ovini Bokini was reacting to the Public address by the Interim Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama on Sunday where he accused the GCC for the loss of extinct mataqali funds.

Ratu Ovini said that GCC does not directly administer the NLTB, it has its own statutory Board led by His Excellency the President and its members appointed by the GCC, Fijian Affairs and Ratu Josefa Iloilo.

The Tui Tavua elaborated that when the administration of Schedule A and B lands were transferred from the State to the NLTB, the NLTB should have transferred the lease funds of those mataqali which has subsequently become extinct, to the Fijian Affairs Board.

He adds that the extinct mataqali lease funds Crown Land A and B lands had been under discussion by the Fijian Affairs Board and the Fijian Affairs Minister, Tui Cakau had begun investigations.

Meanwhile Ratu Ovini concluded that it is incorrect to use this as an example of politicization of the GCC, as they did not make the decision and the accusation cannot stand.