Jope Seniloli facts for kids

Ratu Jope Naucabalavu Seniloli (born June 14, 1939 – died June 28, 2015) was an important chief in Fiji. He held the special title of Turaga Taukei Naua. He also served as Fiji's Vice-President from March 25, 2001, until November 29, 2004. He had to leave his position after being found guilty of breaking the country's laws in August 2004.

About Ratu Jope Seniloli

His Role in Fiji's Government

Ratu Jope Seniloli became Vice-President in 2000. This happened after a big event in Fiji where the elected government was changed. This event is known as the 2000 coup. The aim was to bring peace and understanding among different groups in the country.

The 2000 Events and Court Case

On August 6, 2004, a court decided that Ratu Jope Seniloli had acted against the law during the 2000 events. The court found that he had wrongly announced himself as President and had sworn in new government ministers, including George Speight, who was a main leader of the changes.

Ratu Jope's lawyer said that he only did these things because he was forced to, with a weapon pointed at him. However, the judge, Justice Nazhat Shameem, did not agree. She believed that Ratu Jope knew about the plans beforehand and had helped them happen. The judge said she had first thought of giving him a six-year sentence. But she decided on four years instead. This was because he had served Fiji for many years, including 33 years as a schoolteacher.

Other people were also found guilty of similar actions. These included Rakuita Vakalalabure, who was a Deputy Speaker in the government, and three other individuals. They received sentences ranging from one to six years.

Early Release and Public Reaction

Ratu Jope Seniloli was released from prison early on November 29, 2004. The Attorney-General, Qoriniasi Bale, said this was for medical reasons. This decision caused a lot of discussion and anger among some groups.

The Labour Party was very upset. Senator Jokapeci Koroi, a leader of the party, said that the early release was unfair. She felt it was a plan by the government to protect powerful people. Ratu Jope had served less than four months of his four-year sentence. Senator Koroi called his release an "act of defiance" against justice and the law. Reverend Akuila Yabaki also spoke out against the release.

The military was also unhappy. They made a public statement, which was unusual for them. Captain Neumi Leweni of the military said the early release was "an insult" to justice. He warned that Fiji was in danger if nothing was done. Military officers believed Ratu Jope's release was a political move to gain support from people who had supported the 2000 events. They worried it could lead to more problems.

Joji Kotobalavu, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, disagreed with the criticism. He said the military should have shared their concerns privately. He felt that their public statements were causing confusion and making people wonder who was truly in charge of the country.

Ratu Jope Seniloli's early release came with his resignation from his Vice-President role. It was thought that this was a condition for him to be let go. A government spokesperson said he would receive a pension.

Normally, prisoners can only be released after serving half their sentence. But Ratu Jope's case was special because of his poor health. He was placed under "compulsory supervision." This meant he had to report to the police every day. He also could not change his address or travel outside Fiji without permission.

The Vice-President's Role and Successor

The Fijian Constitution gives the Vice-President a mostly ceremonial role. However, there is one very important exception: if the President cannot do their job, the Vice-President takes over. At that time, the 84-year-old President, Josefa Iloilo, was unwell and needed frequent medical care. With Ratu Jope's resignation, Fiji had no one to step in if President Iloilo became unable to serve.

Finding a new Vice-President quickly became a top priority. On December 15, 2004, the Great Council of Chiefs approved President Iloilo's choice of Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi as the new Vice-President.

Later Years

In February 2006, there were reports that some chiefs were quietly trying to get Ratu Jope Seniloli reinstated as Vice-President. The Great Council of Chiefs was going to meet to choose the President and Vice-President. However, the military spoke out against any person convicted of actions against the government being appointed to these high positions. Ratu Jope himself later said that he was still technically serving his sentence outside of prison. This meant he was not allowed to be reinstated.

Ratu Jope Seniloli passed away on June 28, 2015, at the age of 76.