Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua has clarified that Colonel Penioni Naliva has not been sidelined but has been seconded to the Australian Defence College as a consultant.
Speaking to FijiLive, Tikoduadua said this is for four months or until whatever work he is doing is completed and returns back to Fiji, from the Australian Defence College.
Col Naliva’s removal as the Deputy Commander of the 7th Brigade of the Australian Army as reported in Australian media stems from allegations of human rights violations before the 2006 Bainimarama Military Takeover of the Qarase elected Government.
His appointment as the Deputy Commander of the 7th Brigade of the Australian Army was to solidify Fiji’s Defence relationship with Australia as both defence forces continue to collaborate in various areas with the defence space.
Tikoduadua said Col Naliva has been given a new a role and he would provide further details on Col Naliva new appointment later.
