Tug-of-war over spy agency job
The former director-general of the Namibia Central Intelligence Services (NCIS), Lucas Hangula, has been assigned specific tasks and will therefore stay put at the spy agency.
Presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari yesterday confirmed this to Namibian Sun.
This follows a call for intervention by PDM leader McHenry Venaani that Hangula refuses to retire.
Hangula was replaced as director-general by former environment minister Phillemon Malima who was recalled from retirement into the position in 2015.
“It is inaccurate to say they are serving in the same position. This is an intelligence matter, but what I can tell you is that Hangula has been assigned specific tasks,” said Hengari.
Venaani this week called on Geingob to intervene at the intelligence service, which he described as having two centres of power.
He told journalists the agency is currently led by two director-generals, a situation he says “depresses” workers.
Malima yesterday simply said “the appointing authority must decide which of the two DGs must leave”.
Venaani claimed both Hangula and Malima are paid for one job that should be done by just one man.
“At the centre of intelligence in Namibia, there are two centres of powers. You must find it very worrying when the intelligence officers start briefing the official opposition on matters that are happening at intelligence. It tells us again the administration is paying lip service to keeping the kitty in check,” he said.
He added that there is a serious administrative crisis at the agency, warning that if things are “rotting” there, it is very serious.
Venaani also said he is reliably informed that the NCIS permanent secretary Benedict Likando is also refusing to go on retirement, saying he will go when Hangula goes.
“We find it appalling, unacceptable and we call upon the head of state to reform the central intelligence agency. Let Hangula resign. We don't understand if the president wanted Hangula to remain in the job why did he appoint Malima? And if he appointed a new DG then the former DG should leave,” Venaani said.
He urged the president to urgently rescue the situation because it affects staff morale.
When Namibian Sun contacted the NCIS, a woman, identified only as Loide, said Hangula was on leave while Likando was out of the office on 'official duty'.
JEMIMA BEUKES
Presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari yesterday confirmed this to Namibian Sun.
This follows a call for intervention by PDM leader McHenry Venaani that Hangula refuses to retire.
Hangula was replaced as director-general by former environment minister Phillemon Malima who was recalled from retirement into the position in 2015.
“It is inaccurate to say they are serving in the same position. This is an intelligence matter, but what I can tell you is that Hangula has been assigned specific tasks,” said Hengari.
Venaani this week called on Geingob to intervene at the intelligence service, which he described as having two centres of power.
He told journalists the agency is currently led by two director-generals, a situation he says “depresses” workers.
Malima yesterday simply said “the appointing authority must decide which of the two DGs must leave”.
Venaani claimed both Hangula and Malima are paid for one job that should be done by just one man.
“At the centre of intelligence in Namibia, there are two centres of powers. You must find it very worrying when the intelligence officers start briefing the official opposition on matters that are happening at intelligence. It tells us again the administration is paying lip service to keeping the kitty in check,” he said.
He added that there is a serious administrative crisis at the agency, warning that if things are “rotting” there, it is very serious.
Venaani also said he is reliably informed that the NCIS permanent secretary Benedict Likando is also refusing to go on retirement, saying he will go when Hangula goes.
“We find it appalling, unacceptable and we call upon the head of state to reform the central intelligence agency. Let Hangula resign. We don't understand if the president wanted Hangula to remain in the job why did he appoint Malima? And if he appointed a new DG then the former DG should leave,” Venaani said.
He urged the president to urgently rescue the situation because it affects staff morale.
When Namibian Sun contacted the NCIS, a woman, identified only as Loide, said Hangula was on leave while Likando was out of the office on 'official duty'.
JEMIMA BEUKES
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