“He is not the government’s main concern right now. There are more important things to do,” Bainimarama told the Fiji Sun in Vunisea, Kadavu.
Bainimarama is currently touring development projects on the island of Kadavu.
“Let’s rest the issue. Let him join Baledrokadroka as another lonely voice in the wilderness.”
Baledrokadroka is a former senior army officer now based in Canberra and has been a strong critic of the Fijian military regime.
Bainimarama said his government will not comment on Ratu Tevita’s situation until an extradition with Tonga is finalized.
The government has declared Ratu Tevita as a fugitive after he escaped to Tonga and breached his bail conditions. He is facing charges of sedition.
Fijian Police confirmed they were following some major leads in their investigations. Inspector Atunaisa Sokomuri said information at this stage was sketchy and they would be identifying those who were involved soon.
He said the police were trying to identify the person that slept at the Nagigia Island Resort in Kadavu on May 8, the last known place that Ratu Tevita was seen before his escape.
“We have some leads and will identify the person soon,” Sokomuri said.
Resort staff had told the Fiji Sun in Kadavu on Wednesday that Ratu Tevita had stayed at the hotel, accompanied by a European man.
Sokomuri said Ratu Tevita last signed in at the Samabula Police Station on May 6.
The government said he fled the country on a Tongan navy ship in waters off Kadavu Island on May 9.
In other news, Bainimarama has lashed out at claims by the international media that President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau will be removed from office.
“It’s not true. Tell them (international media) not to be naughty,” Bainimarama said.
TVNZ reported Thursday that the president, who is brother-in-law to Ratu Tevita Mara, would be removed from office in the next 24 hours.
