NUST council keen to pass ACC investigation over
Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) council chairperson Florette Nakusera is hesitant to initiate an investigation into the conduct of university boss Erold Naomab amid allegations of corruption, maladministration and mismanagement.
This follows calls by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) director general Paulus Noa to institute an investigation into Naomab’s conduct at the institution.
Expressing his concern in correspondence seen by Namibian Sun, NUST council member Koneka Iindji said the investigation could have a bearing on the institution’s council as a whole.
"I am deeply concerned about the implications being made regarding our ability to govern. The ACC director-general's statement in the media suggests that we may also be investigated on this matter, if I understand correctly," Iindji said in a letter to Nakusera.
Failure to investigate the claims against Naomab could cast doubt on the council members’ ethical conduct, Iindji warned.
"This is particularly troubling for those of us who have reputations to uphold and work in institutions that place high importance on ethical and governance issues," he said.
Extend our term, Madam Chair
Iindji proposed an extension of the board’s term, which is due to expire soon, to allow it to investigate the claims against Naomab's conduct.
"I propose that we consider requesting a one-month extension to conclude this matter. This additional time will allow us to ensure a smooth handover process for incoming members and prevent us from shirking our key roles and responsibilities. It is evident that, thus far, we have not done justice to this organisation due to our inaction," Iindji said.
Nakusera was further implored to bring the matter of Naomab’s conduct to the attention of the ministry of finance and public enterprises and the ministry of higher education.
"Therefore, I urge you to join me in seeking dispensation from our respective line ministers, as well as the Ministries of Finance and Public Enterprise. Copying the ACC on this correspondence will demonstrate our commitment to addressing this issue effectively," Iindji said.
Our time is up
However, Nakusera, in response to Iindji, shot back, saying it would be best for new council members to dig into the matter since the current council’s term of office was approaching expiration.
"We have taken our resolutions concerning the investigation already at the duly constituted meeting of Council, and further outstanding action, including other matters, will then be carried forward to the new Council, the same way that we have taken over responsibilities and resolutions, which were carried over by the previous Council to us when we are appointed in 2019," Nakusera argued.
Nakusera reasoned that the current council would not deal with the matter to the benefit of NUST.
She added: "Our initial term was already extended three times, since it expired at the end of October last year and hence an extension of the 4th time will not be in the interest of the institution."
Nakusera informed Indjii that an exit report was also being prepared to prepare the new council members.
"The Honourable Minister [Itah Kandjii-Murangi] already requested the exit report, which she will be handing over to the soon-to-be appointed new Council, and I am finalising that report," she explained.
Accusations of dipping into the cookie jar
Naomab faces allegations of misuse of public funds, nepotism, tribalism and abuse of power.
"These are serious allegations of administrative corruption against the management of the public institution of the academy which should not be taken lightly," ACC boss Paulus Noa wrote in a letter dated 22 June.
ACC wants a forensic probe to be conducted to test the veracity of an avalanche of claims levelled against the under-fire Naomab.
Noa added: "Though these allegations might have been already brought to your knowledge, we bring the same to the attention of the council to urgently consider contracting a competent forensic body to conduct an investigation of such allegations".
Noa, who confirmed the letter, gave the council until today to respond.
This follows calls by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) director general Paulus Noa to institute an investigation into Naomab’s conduct at the institution.
Expressing his concern in correspondence seen by Namibian Sun, NUST council member Koneka Iindji said the investigation could have a bearing on the institution’s council as a whole.
"I am deeply concerned about the implications being made regarding our ability to govern. The ACC director-general's statement in the media suggests that we may also be investigated on this matter, if I understand correctly," Iindji said in a letter to Nakusera.
Failure to investigate the claims against Naomab could cast doubt on the council members’ ethical conduct, Iindji warned.
"This is particularly troubling for those of us who have reputations to uphold and work in institutions that place high importance on ethical and governance issues," he said.
Extend our term, Madam Chair
Iindji proposed an extension of the board’s term, which is due to expire soon, to allow it to investigate the claims against Naomab's conduct.
"I propose that we consider requesting a one-month extension to conclude this matter. This additional time will allow us to ensure a smooth handover process for incoming members and prevent us from shirking our key roles and responsibilities. It is evident that, thus far, we have not done justice to this organisation due to our inaction," Iindji said.
Nakusera was further implored to bring the matter of Naomab’s conduct to the attention of the ministry of finance and public enterprises and the ministry of higher education.
"Therefore, I urge you to join me in seeking dispensation from our respective line ministers, as well as the Ministries of Finance and Public Enterprise. Copying the ACC on this correspondence will demonstrate our commitment to addressing this issue effectively," Iindji said.
Our time is up
However, Nakusera, in response to Iindji, shot back, saying it would be best for new council members to dig into the matter since the current council’s term of office was approaching expiration.
"We have taken our resolutions concerning the investigation already at the duly constituted meeting of Council, and further outstanding action, including other matters, will then be carried forward to the new Council, the same way that we have taken over responsibilities and resolutions, which were carried over by the previous Council to us when we are appointed in 2019," Nakusera argued.
Nakusera reasoned that the current council would not deal with the matter to the benefit of NUST.
She added: "Our initial term was already extended three times, since it expired at the end of October last year and hence an extension of the 4th time will not be in the interest of the institution."
Nakusera informed Indjii that an exit report was also being prepared to prepare the new council members.
"The Honourable Minister [Itah Kandjii-Murangi] already requested the exit report, which she will be handing over to the soon-to-be appointed new Council, and I am finalising that report," she explained.
Accusations of dipping into the cookie jar
Naomab faces allegations of misuse of public funds, nepotism, tribalism and abuse of power.
"These are serious allegations of administrative corruption against the management of the public institution of the academy which should not be taken lightly," ACC boss Paulus Noa wrote in a letter dated 22 June.
ACC wants a forensic probe to be conducted to test the veracity of an avalanche of claims levelled against the under-fire Naomab.
Noa added: "Though these allegations might have been already brought to your knowledge, we bring the same to the attention of the council to urgently consider contracting a competent forensic body to conduct an investigation of such allegations".
Noa, who confirmed the letter, gave the council until today to respond.
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