News

Trial against FNPF former members continue

April 18, 2012 1:26 am

Trial against the formers employees of the Fiji National Provident Fund continues at the Suva High Court.

FNPF Former Chief Executive Olota Rokovunisei today told the court that the FNPF Board had appealed with the Higher Salaries Commission about raising his base salary.

Rokovunisei who is charged with one count of extortion and two counts of abuse of office is the first defence witness to testify.

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He told the court that the Board had approved his base salary of $135, 178 from 2005 to 2006 at the time he was CEO.

However the base salary for Thomas Cotton the Chief Investment officer was $250,000, which was approved by the Board, together with Foana Nemani his deputy on a base salary of $110,910.

Defence lawyer Samanunu Vaniqi than asked Rokovunisei as to why was there a difference between the base salaries of him and Cotton and whether the board appealed for an increase in his base salary.

Rokovunisei replied that the Board had appealed.

The court has been adjourned for the afternoon where Rokovunisei is expected to give more evidence on the Boards appeal.