Nauru's President Baron Waqa says the country's late Chief Justice Joni Madraiwiwi re-established honour to Nauru's court.
Nauru Chief Justice Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi (right) swears in President Baron Waqa (left) in July 2016. Photo: Republic of Nauru Government
Tributes for former Fiji Vice President Madraiwiwi
He said Nauru is deeply saddened by Ratu Joni's death and the country and region had lost a great statesman.
A statement from the Nauru government said Ratu Joni, who is a former Vice-President of Fiji, died in Suva after a short illness yesterday and he will be buried at his home island of Bau next Friday.
Ratu Joni was appointed as Nauru's top judge in September 2014.
Mr Waqa said Ratu Joni was instrumental in the recent reforms of Nauru's legal system, and had re-established integrity and honour to Nauru's court.
His appointment followed the forced resignation of the former Chief Justice Geoffrey Eames who later expressed concern about the rule of law and judicial independence on Nauru.