![Pio Tikoduadua Profile](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1763735581044162560/ztB4Z4x2_x96.jpg)
Pio Tikoduadua
@piotikoduaduafj
Followers
23K
Following
2K
Statuses
2K
Minister for Defence and Veteran's Affairs| Tabana ni veitaqomaki kei na sotia luvaisulu |रक्षा और वयोवृद्ध मामले मंत्रा��य (Uncle to all Fijians)
Fiji 🇫🇯
Joined December 2018
Today, I was sworn in as Minister for Home Affairs & Immigration. Much of my work will focus on ensuring 🇫🇯 can counter 21st Century threats both physically and in cyberspace. We will also be reviewing the Immigration block list ASAP! Let's get to work! #Together4FijisFuture🇫🇯
83
153
1K
Absolutely delighted to meet and speak with you @rajnathsingh about our shared Indo-Pacific. Looking forward to increasing collaboration in the future! 🇫🇯🤝🇮🇳
Had appreciative meeting with the Defence Minister of Fiji, Mr. Pio Tikoduadua in Bengaluru. Discussed ways and means to further deepen defence cooperation. We agreed to institutionalize India-Fiji Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation.
0
2
4
Wonderful and honoured to meet with India’s Defence Minister Shri. Rajnath Singh. We spoke cordially about Fiji and India’s long and familial relationship. We further discussed continued cooperation as Defence partners in areas of peacekeeping, maritime surveillance and education opportunities for our military and civilian Defence personnel. 🇫🇯 🤝🇮🇳
0
3
18
RT @Lisa_Singh: “Threats we face today do not respect borders” Thank you Minister @piotikoduaduafj for your keynote at the #FijiDialogue25…
0
2
0
RT @pal_vcp: Vinaka vakalevu for the thoughtful tweet! @UniSouthPacific was honored to co-host this crucial dialogue on maritime security…
0
1
0
Pleased to join leaders & experts at USP for vital discussions on maritime security, climate resilience & countering disinformation. Fiji is committed to working with 🇮🇳🇦🇺 & our Pacific partners to build a safer Indo-Pacific. Looking forward to meeting India’s Defence Minister next week to advance cooperation. Vinaka vakalevu! #RegionalSecurity #IndoPacific #StrongerTogether
1
7
33
The RFMF stands ready to fulfill its constitutional duty. However, its role remains supportive, not primary—engaged only after all civilian-led mechanisms are exhausted. #TeamFiji
5
9
31
It would be of benefit to actually check the statement out. I emphasise-- the RFMF will only be in a Supportive Role to the work that the Police is doing. But, we cannot allow officers to bring batons to a gunfight.
@TumeliTuqota 54 years ago Nixon called up the troops & declared a war on drugs. It ended up being a war on the poor. This will never increase public safety or help people kick their habit - it will only over-criminalise & destabilise Fiji's poorest communities. Do better @piotikoduaduafj.
8
3
31
Bula and Namaste, Your Excellency! 🇫🇯🤝🇮🇳
🇮🇳🤝🇫🇯 Strengthening ties! High Commissioner Suneet Mehta met with @FijiGovernment Minister for Defence & Veteran Affairs, Hon. @piotikoduaduafj, for a courtesy call today. Productive discussions were held on enhancing bilateral defence relations. @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @dpa_mea
0
1
14
The fight against drugs is primarily a social issue, not just law enforcement. The RFMF stands ready to fulfil its constitutional role but will only act as a last resort in support of civilian agencies. Together, let’s address the root causes and build a safer Fiji. 🇫🇯 #Fiji
11
7
50
RT @AIinstitute: Fiji Dialogue Speaker Spotlight 🌏 Introducing Minister for Defence and Veteran's Affairs, Fiji, The Hon @piotikoduaduafj!…
0
7
0
In response to former MP Niko Nawaikula’s recent comments regarding the investigation into the alleged unauthorised issuance of passports to minors associated with the Grace Road Group, I wish to provide some clarification and address the misconceptions presented. 1. This is Not About Citizenship The matter under investigation has nothing to do with the acquisition of Fijian citizenship or the interpretation of Sections 5 and 6 of the Citizenship of Fiji Act 2009. Instead, it concerns the issuance of passports to minors without proper adherence to the legal requirements outlined in the Passports Act 2002. The issue at hand is whether the proper processes were followed, particularly the requirement for written consent from all legal guardians or, in exceptional circumstances, a court order. To conflate this with citizenship is both misleading and irrelevant to the investigation. 2. Allegations of Usurpation of Ministerial Powers Of particular concern is the allegation that Ministerial powers may have been circumvented in the passport issuance process. The Minister’s authority under the Passports Act 2002 must be upheld to ensure the integrity of the system. Any unauthorised actions that bypass established legal and procedural safeguards warrant thorough investigation, as they pose a serious threat to public confidence and governance. 3. My Decision to Step Aside As the Minister responsible, I chose to step aside temporarily from my portfolio to ensure a transparent and independent investigation into these allegations. This decision was not made lightly but was necessary to uphold the principles of accountability and impartiality. My position should not, in any way, influence the findings of the investigation or the subsequent actions of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). 4. The Importance of Due Process While I respect Mr. Nawaikula’s views, I strongly disagree with the suggestion that this investigation is “a waste of time.” The unauthorised issuance of passports, particularly where minors are concerned, is a grave matter that warrants full scrutiny. The Ministry’s role is to ensure that Fiji’s laws are followed without exception, regardless of the status or influence of the individuals or entities involved. The argument that Grace Road’s legal team ensures full compliance does not absolve the Ministry of its duty to investigate irregularities. Compliance with the Passports Act 2002 is not optional, and no organisation is above the law. 5. Commitment to Transparency I stand by my initial decision to investigate this matter and ensure that the facts are fully established. The case is now with the ODPP, and I trust their impartiality in assessing the evidence. I urge all parties to allow the legal process to take its course and refrain from speculation or attempts to politicise the issue. Conclusion This matter is not about citizenship, nor is it a trivial administrative oversight. It is about ensuring that Fiji’s systems and laws are upheld, protecting the rights of minors, and addressing any actions that may undermine public confidence in our institutions. I reaffirm my commitment to the rule of law and to serving the Fijian people with integrity and accountability. Hon. Pio Tikoduadua Minister for Defence and Veteran's Affairs
10
31
79
RT @piotikoduaduafj: We're implementing a comprehensive reset of the Fiji Police Force to enhance professionalism, accountability, and comm…
0
26
0