News

Waqanika to Take Plea in March

Posted by Media Team 17 February 2026

Suva lawyer Tanya Waqanika, who is charged with one count of Publicly Indicating Opposition to a Political Party by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) will take her plea next month.

The matter was called in the Suva Magistrates Court this morning before Resident Magistrate Yogesh Prasad for mention.

It is alleged that on or about 19 April 2024, while serving as a public officer, namely a Board Member of Investment Fiji and Telecom Fiji Limited, Ms. Waqanika publicly indicated opposition to the political party SODELPA.

FICAC State Counsel Rusiate Doidoi appeared for the prosecution and submitted amended charges, in relation to the correct spelling of Ms. Waqanika’s name.

Mr. Doidoi added that additional evidence and disclosures have been filed and served, one of which relates to her appointment as a director of Telecom Fiji Limited.

He raised the issue that Ms. Waqanika was publicly commenting about the case and making comments, which were misleading.

He informed the court that the accused as a senior counsel should refrain from giving out public commentary on the matter, some of which are misleading.

Mr. Doidoi requested that the Court take judicial control of the matter given that this is a live matter and Ms. Waqanika’s comments are affecting the administration of justice.

RM Prasad then directed Ms. Waqanika to refrain from commenting about matters in court.

The matter has been adjourned to 24 March 2026 for plea