Former Army Commander and Speaker of the House of Representives, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau is Fiji's fourth President.
Ratu Epeli was sworn-in as the country's Head of State this morning by the Chief Justice Anthony Gates.
After being appointed the President of the Republic of Fiji Islands, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau read this statement focusing on love, forgiveness, reconciliation, truth, belief, hope, light, joy, understanding and comfort.
The appointment was made by Chief Justice Gates under the
Executive authority of Fiji Decree 2009 after Cabinet's recommendation
Ratu Epeli was appointed the Vice President following the abrogation of the 1997 constitution in April this year.
Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama earlier confirmed to Fijivillage that Ratu Epeli will serve an initial three year term as President of Fiji while cabinet is expected to make further decisions on the term of appointment later. Bainimarama also confirmed that there will be no Vice President and Chief Justice Gates will perform the functions of the Vice President when needed.
Also present during the swearing-in of President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau were Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, cabinet ministers and senior military officers.
US Ambassador to Fiji, Steve McGann, the Japanese Ambassador, the Chinese Ambassador, British High Commissioner, Mac McLachlan, Japanese Ambassador were also present at Government House to witnesses the swearing-in ceremony.
Meanwhile, two new judges and four magistrates will be sworn in by President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau at Government house at 3 o'clock this afternoon.
The four are from Sri Lanka and have accepted to join the Judiciary in Fiji.
The new appointments are expected to ease the work load on the current Judges and Magistrates, as some Magistrates have to deal with upto 60 cases per day due to the lack of Magistrates which has seen a back log of cases.
