Joni Madraiwiwi

Who is Joni Madraiwiwi?

Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi is a Fijian lawyer, politician and was the Vice-President of Fiji from 2004 to 2006. He was sworn in on 10 January 2005, following his nomination by President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo and his subsequent approval by the Great Council of Chiefs on 15 December 2004. He was appointed to complete the unexpired term of his predecessor, Ratu Jope Seniloli, who had resigned in disgrace on 29 November 2004 in the wake of his convictions for treason concerning his role in the Fiji coup of 2000. Ratu Madraiwiwi's first priority was to restore dignity and respect to the Vice-Presidential office.

Madraiwiwi was dismissed from office on 5 December 2006 by the Military Commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, who seized power in a military coup. He was forcibly evicted from his official residence and from his office on the night of 6 December. He announced in the second week of January 2007 that he was "on leave" and intended to resume private practice as a lawyer, at Howards law firm.