Fiji Rugby Union Board chairman Bill Gavoka has been taken into custody, accused of trying to destabilise the nation with a rumour it will be hit by a tsunami on Wednesday.

Gavoka, who also used to head the Fiji Visitors Bureau, apparently sent emails to tourist operators repeating a warning first issued by a Nadi pastor that an undersea earthquake would generate a tsunami which would reach the islands at 2.30pm on Wednesday, the Stuff news website reported.

Police spokeswoman Ema Mua confirmed to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation News that Gavoka was being questioned over rumours of a so-called prophesy.

Self-appointed Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, who is out of the country, claimed those spreading the rumour had a political agenda and were trying to destabilise Fiji.

Mr Gavoka was taken into custody on Monday under the terms of Fiji's military emergency decrees which make spreading rumours an offence.

Fiji police are expected to make a statement about his fate later on Tuesday.

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