The new Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Brigadier General Mosese Tikoitoga said the RFMF will protect the 2013 constitution and will respect the will of the people in the general elections later this year.
After taking over the leadership of the RFMF today, Brigadier General Tikoitoga said they will uphold the constitution which they assisted in putting together earlier this year.
Brigadier General Tikoitoga also paid tribute to former Army Commander, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama for his leadership.
He said Commodore Bainimarama was the Commander for 15 of the 39 years of his service.
During his term, there were a number of challenges.
Brigadier General Tikoitoga said the revolution which started in 2006 continues to this day and will have its climax later this year in the first truly democratic elections in our nation's history.
Meanwhile Brigadier General Tikoitoga said it is a humbling experience for him as he becomes the Commander.
He attended Dudley High School and Ratu Sukuna Memorial School.
Brigadier General Tikoitoga who is from Muani, Ravitaki, Kadavu has served in the RFMF for 32 years after entering the officer cadet training programme.
Emotional moment for the Bainimarama family
It was an emotional moment for family members of former Army Commander and former Navy Commander, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama as he officially stepped down from the post earlier today.
Commodore Bainimarama's daughter, Ruby-Ann Sorovaki said it has been an interesting journey for the family with their father as the head of the RFMF.
She said her father has always been there for his family and Commodore Bainimarama also ensured that they follow the rules.
Meanwhile Commodore Bainimarama was towed out of QEB in a military parade vehicle by all the military senior officers.
The towing out was led by Brigadier General Tikoitoga.
All soldiers lined up the road and saluted the former Commander as he left QEB.
The final event will see the beating of the retreat at 6.30 tonight.
Story by: Vijay Narayan and Aliki Bia
