The Republic of Fiji Military forces is refuting claims made by the President of the National Federation Party Pio Tikoduadua that peoples security lies with the goodwill of all communities particularly the i-Taukei’s.

RFMF’s Chief of Staff Strategic – Colonel Jone Kalouniwai says the constitution mandates the RFMF with the overall responsibility to ensure at all times the security, defense and well-being of Fiji and all Fijians.

The Colonel says the statement by Tikoduadua is an affront to the military and adds to the increasing rhetoric of using communal divisions through ethnicity, race and religion to push a specific agenda for political gains.

Whilst the RFMF continues in its efforts in being apolitical, Colonel Kalouniwai says, they we will continue to play a pivotal role in national security.

To this end, he says the National Security Strategy a first ever of its kind by any Fijian government, reinforces this responsibility of the ‘Peoples Security’ in a framework that looks at Comprehensive Security.

Tikoduadua is expected to comment soon,.