Filimone Jitoko | |
|---|---|
| 4th Speaker of the Parliament | |
| Assumed office 12 November 2024 | |
| Prime Minister | Sitiveni Rabuka |
| Preceded by | Naiqama Lalabalavu |
| Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nauru | |
| In office 2017–2021 | |
| Preceded by | Joni Madraiwiwi |
| Succeeded by | Daniel Fatiaki |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 3 October 1949 Kabara,Fiji |
| Spouse | Elina Senirewa Jitoko |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | Victoria University of Wellington |
Filimone Jitoko (born 3 October 1949) is a Fijian diplomat,jurist,and politician who has served as the Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji since 2024. Prior to his tenure as speaker he was the Solicitor-General of Fiji from 1993 to 1996,and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nauru from 2017 to 2021.
Filimone Jitoko was born in Kabara,Fiji,on 3 October 1949,to Isireli Rarawa and Leba Wainise. [1] [2] He attended District School Kabara,Ratu Kadavulevu School,and Queen Victoria School. In 1969,he was a member of a school rubgy team. [1] At the Victoria University of Wellington Jitoko graduated with a Bachelor of Laws after attending 1972 to 1976. [1] [3]
Jitoko was admitted to the bar of Fiji and New Zealand in 1978. He lectured at the University of the South Pacific. [1] [2] [3] He was governor of Adi Cakobau School and president of the Fiji Cricket Association. [2]
Jitoko worked as a State Law Office before serving as Solicitor-General of Fiji from 1993 to 1996. He was a resident magistrate and puisne judge in the High Court of Fiji. [4] [3] From 1985 to 1987,he was the chief registrar of the Supreme Court of Fiji. [3] From 1988 to 1994,he was a legal advisor to the Great Council of Chiefs. [1] From 2017 to 2021,he served as the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Nauru. [4]
Jitoko was Fiji's ambassador to the United Kingdom,Denmark,Israel,and the Holy See. He was the counselor for Fiji's permanent representative to the United Nations and its embassy in the United States. [1]
Naiqama Lalabalavu,the speaker of the Parliament of Fiji,was appointed as President of Fiji. On 12 November 2024,the parliament selected Jitoko to replace Lalabalavu. [2]
Jitoko married Elina Senirewa Jitoko,with whom he had four children. [1] [2]