Retired judge, Filimone Jitoko is the new Speaker of Parliament. [Source: Fiji Government/Facebook]

Retired judge, Filimone Jitoko is the new Speaker of Parliament.

Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka nominated Jitoko while Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu nominated former Deputy Speaker, Ruveni Nadalo for the position of Speaker of Parliament.

A total of 34 MPs voted for Jitoko while 15 voted for Ruveni Nadalo.

While giving his speech in Parliament as a newly elected speaker, Jitoko thanked the PM for nominating him and having trust in him.

New Speaker of Parliament, Filimone Jitoko 

He adds that he is humbled by the trust bestowed in him to continue with the work of his predecessor in serving the people and the nation.

“I intend to listen to and work with each one of you and continue the work of my predecessor Turaga Bale na Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu in transforming our parliament to be an effective and efficient instrument.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has congratulated Jitoko for his appointment as the New Speaker of the Parliament.

Rabuka says Jitoko brings a distinguished career and a wealth of experience to his new role.

He adds that the new Speaker’s journey in diplomacy and law is impressive.

Jitoko was later appointed Solicitor General to the Government, where he served for six years before becoming Secretary to Cabinet from 1993 to 1996.

His diplomatic career followed, with postings as Fiji’s Ambassador to Israel, Brussels, and Denmark.

In 2002, Jitoko returned to Fiji as a High Court Judge, serving until 2009.

His contributions continued internationally, serving as Chief Justice of the Nauru Supreme Court from 2000 to 2017, where he also held the role of Registrar from 2015 to 2017.

Rabuka says they are confident that Jitoko will serve Fiji exceptionally well in his new role as Speaker of Parliament.