Manoa Kamikamica, one of Fiji’s two former deputy prime ministers in the coalition government, has been formally acquitted of all criminal charges by a Suva court on Monday.
Kamikamica was facing charges of perjury and giving false information to a public servant under oath to a Commission of Inquiry.
The charges were brought against him by the Fiji’s anti-corruption agency.
Local media report the Suva Magistrates Court ruled he has no case to answer.
In his ruling, Resident Magistrate Charles Ratakele said there was insufficient evidence to require Kamikamica to enter a defence.
“Kamikamica had been charged with one count of perjury, alleging that he falsely stated under oath during the 2024 Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali that he had no knowledge of her appointment before it was publicly announced on September 5, 2024,” The Fiji Times reported.
Speaking to reporters outside the court following the ruling, Kamikamica said the decision was a longtime coming, and thanked his supporters.
“Hopefully, Fiji knows today the calibre of Manoa Kamikamica,” he said.
“Some people thought I let them down, but today we turn a new leaf. There is a government to run, there are people to lead, and that’s where my focus will be, and of course an election as well.”
Kamikamica officially stepped down form his role as deputy prime minister in October last year to clear his name.
“Today we have restored truth and justice in this country, and hopefully we can continue to focus on what’s ahead of us, which is an election, a change of a constitution, and other things we’d like to do to rebuild Fiji.”
