Epeli Nailatikau

Brigadier-General Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, born on July fifth, nineteen forty-one, was a prominent Fijian chief and a distinguished figure in the realms of diplomacy and politics. His extensive career spanned military service, government roles, and significant contributions to Fijian society. Nailatikau was often affectionately referred to as Na Turaga Mai Naisogolaca, reflecting his esteemed status within the community.

From two thousand one to two thousand six, he held the influential position of Speaker of the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of the Fijian Parliament, where he also chaired the Parliamentary Appropriations Committee and the House Committee. His political journey continued as he was appointed interim Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade in January two thousand seven, later transitioning to the role of interim Minister for Provincial Development and Multi-Ethnic Affairs in September two thousand eight.

In October two thousand eight, Nailatikau took on the responsibilities of Indigenous Affairs Minister, effectively becoming the chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs. His political ascent culminated when he was appointed Vice-President by the military government on April seventeenth, two thousand nine. Following the retirement of President Josefa Iloilo, he assumed the role of acting president on July thirtieth, two thousand nine, and was officially sworn in as President of Fiji on November fifth, two thousand nine.

Nailatikau's presidency lasted until October two thousand fifteen, when George Konrote succeeded him. After a brief hiatus, he returned to the political arena on February eleventh, two thousand nineteen, when he was elected as the Speaker of the Fijian Parliament, winning thirty votes against twenty-one for the opposition nominee, Tanya Waqanika.