The High Court has scheduled a hearing for March next year regarding the stay application in the case against Member of Parliament and former Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica. This request aims to permanently suspend the criminal proceedings against him in the lower court.
Kamikamica appeared before Justice Siainiu Fa’alogo Bull this morning to address the charges brought against him by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). He is accused of perjury and providing false information to a public servant. The allegations state that between December 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, in Suva, Kamikamica knowingly made a false statement under oath, asserting that he was not involved in the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner. It is also claimed that he provided the same misleading information to the Commissioner of Inquiry.
During the proceedings, Justice Bull provided a schedule for the case. FICAC has until January 14 next year to file and serve an affidavit in response to Kamikamica’s application. Kamikamica’s attorney, Wylie Clarke, is required to submit a response by February 4, with all written submissions due by February 24. The formal hearing is set to commence on March 25, during which Kamikamica plans to call two witnesses.
The matter has been adjourned, with the next mention scheduled for February 5, 2025. This case is noteworthy as it highlights ongoing issues of accountability and integrity within political leadership. As the proceedings unfold, there is potential for significant legal implications for Kamikamica and the broader political landscape.