…..opted to file Character defamation lawsuit against Talifilu, commentators
MEMBER of the Provincial Assembly for Ward 11 in Malaita Province, Elijah Asilaua has out-rightly rejected claims made in the social media about a drink and drive accident which involved two MPAs in Honiara this week.
Mr Asilaua exclusively told the Solomon Star that the information posted in the social media (Facebook) by Celsus Talifilu is misleading and so much more amounts to character assassination by his followers.
It was posted that the two MPAs, Asilaua and Iven Tonafalea went out drinking overnight and later ended up in an accident.
It was also reported that Talifilu took down the post but then one Saxon Ofata posted again in the social media with the pictures of the MPAs at the Kukum Traffic Police Station, without their consent.
“The information holds no truth as social media commentators continue to character assassinate my fellow MPA and me in the social media,” he said.
He further told this paper that they decide not to come out in the media because they have to wait for the police to do their report.
“As far as the police report is concern, this is not a drink and drive accident, the fact is the vehicle had mechanical problem with its brakes, which resulted in this accident,” Asilaua said.
He further added the vehicle was driven by its owner and not him or Iven.
“The vehicle had its own driver and he picked us up at Tanuli Motel,” Asilaua said.
They took the Tanuli/Kukum road. On their way down the hill, the vehicle’s brake did not work properly therefore the driver had to find ways to save them.
Asilaua said, regarding the injured person, he tried to avoid the oncoming vehicle and got himself injured because he jumped.
“We are very much aware of this incident and we already arranged to compensate the elder in a form of our traditional way of saying sorry,” Asilaua said.
Again, Asilaua re-iterated that there’s no alcohol involved in this incident, the truth is some people are using this incident for their political gain.
“We will continue to maintain our integrity as leaders to serve our ward and people of Malaita,” he added.
Meanwhile, MPA Tonafalea on behalf of the Non-Executive MPAs calls on the administrator of Malaita Development Forum to stop spreading lies and hate sentiments.
“Please the administrator of this good intended social media forum must stop misleading our people.
“Lest we forget, our leaders are mandated by their people so please stop tarnishing their integrity for personal reasons and political gain,” he added.
Asilaua also re-iterate that both MPAs will seek legal advice to sue those who posted in the social media for character defamation.
By ANDREW FANASIA
Newsroom, Honiara
