A decision agreed upon by Opposition members to support Ratu Epeli Nailatikau as Speaker of Parliament went wrong after SODELPA MP’s voted for their nominee Tanya Waqanika.

Speaking to FBC News, National Federation Party President Pio Tikoduadua says it was agreed by the two party leaders for Opposition members to support the nomination of Ratu Epeli.

According to Fiji Sun, Rabuka says the resistance by some party members not to support Ratu Epeli was a sign of no confidence to his leadership.

Despite the disagreements, Tikoduadua says they respect the decision made by the SODELPA MP’s.

“There was discussion between the party leader and the SODELPA Leader, the decision was to go with Ratu Epeli as the speaker if he was to be nominated by government but at the end of the day SODELPA for their own reasons decided not to vote for him”

In a statement released by Rabuka, the SODELPA Parliamentary caucus has met and resolved the issue and they are now focused on working with the new Speaker.