SODELPA MP’s are again under the spotlight for allegedly pushing Suvavou landowners to submit petitions to the Suva City Council.

This is to show their grievances on the government’s land swap deal with Indian government.

Earlier this week more than 200 villagers from Suvavou, Lami presented their petition and this action was allegedly influenced by Ro Filipe Tuisawau and Niko Nawaikula from SODELPA.

Revelations of the Politicisation of the Suva Botanical Garden issue came to light when Suvavou landowner’s spokesperson Joe Navara thanked Nawaikula and Ro Filipe for persuading them to draw up petitions.

“They were the ones who came to the village and told us this is what you should do if you don’t like what the government is doing and that has materialize because of what they have advise us.”

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama had earlier stated that the land belongs to the state and the construction of the Indian Embassy will not affect the Garden.

However Nawaikula and Ro Filipe are believed to have met with the villagers on the issue of petition.

“It’s not about politicizing, it’s about going down to the grass root level to explain to them in their language what their rights are and how they can assert those rights.”

Nawaikula is urging the government to try and consider the concerns of the villagers.