Epeli Nailatikau facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brigadier-General the Honourable Ratu Epeli Nailatikau CF LVO OBE MSD KSTJ
2nd Speaker of the Parliament
In office 11 February 2019 – 24 December 2022
Prime Minister	Frank Bainimarama
Preceded by	Jiko Luveni
Succeeded by	Naiqama Lalabalavu
President of Fiji
In office 30 July 2009 – 12 November 2015 Acting: 30 July 2009 – 5 November 2009
Prime Minister	Frank Bainimarama
Preceded by	Josefa Iloilo
Succeeded by	George Konrote
Speaker of the House of Representatives of Fiji
In office 2001–2006
Preceded by	Apenisa Kurisaqila
Succeeded by	Pita Nacuva
Vice-President of Fiji
In office 17 April 2009 – 30 July 2009
President	Josefa Iloilo
Preceded by	Joni Madraiwiwi (2006)
Succeeded by	Office Abolished
Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji
In office August 2000 – 2001
Prime Minister	Laisenia Qarase
Succeeded by	Tupeni Baba
In office 2001 – September 2001
Prime Minister	Laisenia Qarase
Preceded by	Tupeni Baba
Personal details
Born	(1941-07-05) 5 July 1941 (age 84) Suva, Colony of Fiji
Political party	Independent
Spouse	Adi Koila Mara ​ (m. 1981)​
Children	2
Parent	Edward Cakobau (father)

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau (born 5 July 1941) is a Fijian chief and politician who served as the President of Fiji from 2009 to 2015. He has had a long and important career, working in the military, as a diplomat representing Fiji, and in the government.

Before becoming president, he held many other key roles. He was the Speaker of Fiji's Parliament from 2001 to 2006, and again from 2019 to 2022. He also served as Vice-President, Deputy Prime Minister, and a government minister for different departments.

Early Life and Military Career

Epeli Nailatikau was born into a family of powerful Fijian chiefs. After finishing his schooling in Fiji, he went to New Zealand to train as a soldier. He served in the military for 20 years and became a respected officer.

In 1966, he served with New Zealand soldiers in Sarawak, Malaysia. He later returned to Fiji and rose through the ranks of the Royal Fiji Military Forces. By 1987, he had become the Commander of the military, with the rank of Brigadier-General. However, while he was away in Australia, a military coup (a sudden takeover of the government) took place, and he was removed from his position.

A Career as a Diplomat

After leaving the army, Nailatikau began a new career as a diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. He studied at Oxford University in the United Kingdom to prepare for this role.

He was appointed as Fiji's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. This meant he was also Fiji's ambassador to other countries like Denmark, Germany, and Egypt. Later, he became a permanent secretary for Fiji's foreign affairs department, helping to manage the country's relationships with the rest of the world.

Political Life in Fiji

Nailatikau played a major role in Fijian politics for many years. He was known for being a strong opponent of the 2000 Fiji coup.

Government Roles

After the 2000 coup, he was asked to become Prime Minister to help rebuild the country. He stepped aside for another candidate but became the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Fijian Affairs in the temporary government.

In 2001, he was elected as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, which was an important part of Fiji's parliament. He held this job until 2006.

Becoming President

Following another government takeover in 2006, Nailatikau was appointed as a minister in the new government. In April 2009, he became the Vice-President.

A few months later, on 30 July 2009, President Josefa Iloilo retired. Nailatikau stepped in as the acting president. On 5 November 2009, he was officially sworn in as the President of Fiji. He served as president for six years until 2015, when George Konrote was elected to replace him.

Return as Speaker

In 2019, Nailatikau returned to politics and was elected as the Speaker of the Fijian Parliament, a position he held until late 2022.

Health Campaigner

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau is also known for his work in public health. In 2005, he was named a special representative for UNAIDS, a United Nations program focused on fighting diseases like AIDS.

He was chosen because he was a respected leader in the Pacific region and was not afraid to speak about important health issues. He has encouraged leaders and communities to face health challenges openly and to promote education to keep people safe and healthy.

Personal Life and Family

As a chief, Epeli Nailatikau holds the title Ratu. He is the great-great-grandson of Seru Epenisa Cakobau, the first king to rule over all of Fiji. He is also a grandson of King George Tupou II of Tonga.

In 1981, he married Adi Koila Mara. Her father was Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, who was Fiji's first prime minister and a former president. Adi Koila has also been a politician. They have two children, a son named Kamisese and a daughter named Litia.

Honours

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has received many awards and honours for his service to Fiji and other countries.

National Honours

•  Fiji:
  • Companion of the Order of Fiji (CF)
  • Meritorious Service Decoration (MSD)

Foreign Honours

•  Tonga:
  • Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown of Tonga
•  United Kingdom:
  • Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO)
  • Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
  • Knight of the Most Venerable Order of Saint John (KStJ)

See also

In Spanish: Epeli Nailatikau para niños