Pardon My Ambition: Nawaikula Bets on Presidential Mercy to Shortcut Democracy. If Nawaikula Gets a Pardon, Why Not Empty Prisons of all iTaukei Prisoners? He hopes pardon will enable a Political COMEBACK

22/8/2025

*We are being treated to political theatre about whether a presidential pardon can be used to rewind the law—not for justice, but for Nawaikula's personal political ambition

If NIKO NAWAIKULA Gets a Pardon, Why Not Empty the Prisons Too?

So, former MP Niko Nawaikula wants a presidential pardon so he can jump the eight-year stand-down and stage a political comeback.

Forgive us for asking: what makes him so special?

In 2022, the courts convicted him for lying about his residence to unlawfully claim over $20,000 in parliamentary allowances —money taken straight from taxpayers’ pockets. He was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, and the 2013 Constitution is very clear:

“If you are sentenced to 12 months or more, you cannot contest elections for eight years after your sentence.”

That rule wasn’t written for “ordinary” criminals only. It was written for everyone.

Yet here we are, being treated to political theatre about whether a presidential pardon can be used to rewind the law—not for justice, but for personal ambition.

“This 2013 Constitution is oppressive—except when it rescues me personally."

A Pardon for the Privileged

Let’s be blunt: if Nawaikula were just an ordinary iTaukei villager convicted of stealing $20,000 worth of yaqona or diesel, he wouldn’t even dream of a presidential pardon.

There would be no lawyers whispering constitutional shortcuts.
No media attention.
And certainly no sympathy from those in power.

But because Nawaikula once sat in Parliament with the President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, lost his seat under the very Constitution he now rails against, and just so happens to have been a political colleague of the current President when they both served as MPs, suddenly, a pardon is on the table?

This smells less like justice and more like privilege masquerading as mercy.

Where Does It End?

If Nawaikula gets a free pass:

Shouldn’t we empty Naboro Prison too?
What about the hundreds of young iTaukei men serving long sentences for thefts worth far less than $20,000?
Do they not deserve a second chance?

Or is the rule simple: if you wear a sulu in Parliament, you get special treatment; if you wear orange in Naboro, tough luck.

This selective compassion exposes a system where connections trump fairness.

The Bitter Irony

Let’s not forget the ultimate twist

Nawaikula hates the 2013 Constitution.
He has campaigned for its repeal, calling it illegitimate.
Yet now, when it suits him, he wants to use its presidential pardon provision to erase his conviction and leap back into politics.

It’s as if he’s saying: “This Constitution is oppressive—except when it rescues me personally.”

If a presidential pardon is granted here, it will send a loud, dangerous message:

Laws are for the little people.
If you are ordinary iTaukei, serve your time.
But if you are connected, powerful, or a former colleague of the President, the Constitution bends to your ambition.

Either apply mercy equally—or don’t apply it at all.

From Fijileaks Archive, 6 December 2020

Vijendra Prakash is accused of falsely claiming $33,000 in Travel Insurance

"Honourable Members of Parliament, and all those tuning in from the comfort of their home, as your elected Speaker, first and foremost, I thank the Almighty God for this great honour bestowed on me.
I must sincerely thank the Honourable Members of Parliament for the trust and confidence placed on me to serve this august House as Speaker.
Honourable Members, allow me to also congratulate you again, individually and collectively, for your successful election to this august House."