MINISTER for Defence and Veteran Affairs Pio Tikoduadua says his years as a military officer and senior civil servant have prepared him for the demands of national leadership.
Responding to a question on The Lens@177, Mr Tikoduadua said if he was party leader and if the people chose him, he believed he would be fit to serve as Prime Minister.
“I’m going to be 60 in three months’ time. I’m not young anymore, but I’ve lived life,” he said.
“I’ve made tough decisions. I’ve made many, many big decisions. Both nation and country, and in my career as a military person, as a military commander.
“Big decisions about the life and the well-being of my men and women who are commanded.”
Mr Tikoduadua said his experience extended beyond the military, noting that he had also served as permanent secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister.
“I’m not the smartest guy, I can say that for sure.”
He said leadership was not simply about personal ambition, but about being chosen by the people and by the party.
“But I do not need to be smart. Suppose what I’m saying is, if somebody asks me, do you have what it takes to become Prime Minister?
“If you’re invited to, right hand, left chest, I said yes. But it’s not my choice.
“It’s the will of the people that has to be respected. It is also the decision of the party in terms of that I will join.”
Mr Tikoduadua said if he was part of a winning party, and was its leader, any move toward the prime ministership would still have to follow party processes.
“Because management board has to decide on this matter.”
He said he was confident in his ability to serve but stressed that becoming Prime Minister was not an issue he was personally pursuing.
“If I’m called up to, I’ll be happy. I think I’ve come through the mill enough to be able to serve in that appointment if I have to.”
