The SODELPA management board meeting is likely to be held later this week to discuss the allegations in a report submitted to the board.
SODELPA General Secretary Pio Tabaiwalu confirmed that SODELPA President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu arrives into the country later today and he will then hold discussions with him as Ratu Naiqama will chair the meeting.
Opposition Leader Ro Teimumu Kepa said she will not comment on the internal issues surrounding the party as the SODELPA management board will meet to resolve the issue.
When questioned on whether SODELPA will continue to have strong leadership for the people of Fiji, Ro Teimumu Kepa replied by saying that the people of Fiji would know the answer to this question.
Meanwhile, SODELPA MP Semesa Karavaki said SODELPA is a family and like all families, there may be fights and differences between members.
SODELPA parliamentarian Mosese Bulitavu, who has called for the investigation by the management board, said he and his Northern board representatives are in Suva, and they are waiting for the party’s management board meeting.
He said he is yet to receive any letter from the board however he is ready to front up to the board when he is called.
Ro Teimumu Kepa had earlier said that any attempts by SODELPA parliamentarian Mosese Bulitavu to create a wedge between her and SODELPA President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu will not succeed.
Ro Teimumu said Ratu Naiqama has pledged his support for her leadership and she has pledged her support for his.
She said two grievances are currently lodged with the management board of the party.
One is from Bulitavu and the members who co-signed his complaint.
The other is from the Opposition’s Principal Administrative Officer Mick Beddoes.
Pio Tabaiwalu said the report sent to the SODELPA management board are allegations and must be investigated thoroughly.
He said the party has to look at all sides to arrive at a fair resolution.
The management board will appoint an independent arbiter to investigate the issues raised and report back to the board.
Some of the matters include alleged lack of consultation on a few issues by the Opposition Leader.
Questions have been raised on why the Opposition staff positions were not advertised and the salary levels of Beddoes and others.
Questions have also been raised on the budget of the Opposition office and how decisions are being made to spend the money allocated to the office.
Tabaiwalu said these are all allegations and they have to get the Independent Arbiter to separate facts from the rumours.
