Epeli Nailatikau

Epeli Nailatikau

Brigadier-General Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, CF, LVO, OBE, MSD, OStJ, (born 5 July 1941) (often referred to as Na Turaga Mai Naisogolaca) is a Fijian chief and the President of Fiji. He has had a long career in the Military, diplomatic service, and government. From 2001 to 2006 he served as Speaker of the House of Representatives – the lower and more powerful chamber of the Fijian Parliament. He was also the Chairman of the Parliamentary Appropriations Committee and of the House Committee. On 8 January 2007, he was appointed the interim Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade; he was moved to the post of interim Minister for Provincial Development and Multi-Ethnic Affairs in September 2008. In October 2008, he became Indigenous Affairs Minister "and effectively Great Council of Chiefs chairman". On 17 April 2009, he was appointed Vice-President by the Military government. On 30 July 2009, he became Acting President after the retirement of 88-year-old President Iloilo. On 5 November 2009, he was sworn in as the new President of Fiji.