Earl Blumenauer
American politician (born 1948)
Josefa Iloilo
President of Fiji (1920-2011)
Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, was a Fijian politician who served as the 3rd President of Fiji from 2000 until 2009, excluding a brief period from 5 December 2006 to 4 January 2007 (see below). He held the traditional title of Tui Vuda, the paramount chief of the Vuda district in Ba Province on Fiji’s northwest coast.
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About the Josefa Iloilo
Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, was a Fijian politician who served as the 3rd President of Fiji from 2000 until 2009, excluding a brief period from 5 December 2006 to 4 January 2007 (see below). He held the traditional title of Tui Vuda, the paramount chief of the Vuda district in Ba Province on Fiji’s northwest coast. Like many Fijian people, he rarely used his surname and was known simply as Josefa Iloilo. He announced on 28 July 2009 that he would be leaving office on 30 July. At the age of 88, he was the world’s oldest head of state.
On 5 December 2006, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, seized power in a coup d’etat and assumed presidential powers. This followed failed attempts on Iloilo’s part to mediate a solution to the long-running impasse between the military and the government of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase. However, his powers were restored by Bainimarama on 4 January 2007. Iloilo also endorsed Bainimarama’s coup on the same day, in his first public address since the coup. He appointed Bainimarama as Prime Minister the following day.
After Fiji’s Court of Appeal had ruled that the removal of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and the appointment of Fiji’s interim regime following the military coup in 2006 was unlawful, on 10 April 2009 Iloilo dismissed the judges and abrogated the country’s constitution. Iloilo claimed to have the “full support” of the security forces and directed the military to take “all reasonable steps” to maintain law and order.
4 Quotes by Josefa Iloilo
- 1.
We need to reach that happy stage of our development when differences and diversity are not seen as sources of division and distrust, but of strength and inspiration.
Josefa IloiloPresident of Fiji (1920-2011)
- 2.
I will, from this day strive to forge togetherness out of our differences.
Josefa IloiloPresident of Fiji (1920-2011)
- 3.
Let us make a pledge now to help Fiji through this very important next stage of its journey. We can do this by promising to be patient, calm and tolerant and by respecting the views of others, even if we disagree with them.
Josefa IloiloPresident of Fiji (1920-2011)
- 4.
Give me your trust and confidence, knowing that what I seek is for the good of Fiji, for the good of us all.
Josefa IloiloPresident of Fiji (1920-2011)