Epeli Nailatikau
Brigadier-General Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, CF, LVO, OBE, MSD, KStJ (born 5 July 1941) (often referred to as Na Turaga Mai Naisogolaca) is a Fijian chief who was President of Fiji from 2009 to 2015. 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.
Brigadier-General the Honourable Ratu Epeli Nailatikau CF LVO OBE MSD KSTJ | |
|---|---|
| 2nd Speaker of the Parliament | |
| In office 11 February 2019 – 24 December 2022 | |
| Prime Minister | Frank Bainimarama |
| Preceded by | Jiko Luveni |
| Succeeded by | Naiqama Lalabalavu |
| President of Fiji | |
| In office 30 July 2009 – 12 November 2015 Acting: 30 July 2009 – 5 November 2009 | |
| Prime Minister | Frank Bainimarama |
| Preceded by | Josefa Iloilo |
| Succeeded by | George Konrote |
| Speaker of the House of Representatives of Fiji | |
| In office 2001–2006 | |
| Preceded by | Apenisa Kurisaqila |
| Succeeded by | Pita Nacuva |
| Vice-President of Fiji | |
| In office 17 April 2009 – 30 July 2009 | |
| President | Josefa Iloilo |
| Preceded by | Joni Madraiwiwi (2006) |
| Succeeded by | Office Abolished |
| Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji | |
| In office August 2000 – 2001 | |
| Prime Minister | Laisenia Qarase |
| Succeeded by | Tupeni Baba |
| In office 2001 – September 2001 | |
| Prime Minister | Laisenia Qarase |
| Preceded by | Tupeni Baba |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 5 July 1941 Suva, Colony of Fiji |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent |
|
On 30 July 2009, he became acting president after the retirement of President Josefa Iloilo. On 5 November 2009, he was sworn in as President of Fiji. George Konrote was elected to succeed him in October 2015.
On 11 February 2019, he became the newly appointed Speaker of the Fijian Parliament, winning 30 votes against 21 to Opposition nominee and Suva lawyer, Tanya Waqanika.