'All the nation has been saddened by the extent to which the country has fallen during the last week. I have therefore, with much reluctance, assumed executive authority.' (29 May 2000, announcing that he had taken over the government from President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara).

'If we don't act, this country is going to go to the dogs and no investor will want to come here.' (8 December 2004)

'You have to give it (the tiger) room. If you don't give it room, it will bite you.' (4 January 2005; seen as a veiled threat to politicians not to interfere w…

'If we don't put our foot down, they will release every man and his dog.' (Criticizing the government's policy of releasing political prisoners).