Venaani urged to toe the line

The minister in the presidency, Frans Kapofi has vehemently come out in defence of his boss, President Hage Geingob who swore that 'heads would roll', in the case revolving alleged corrupt practices in the execution of the tender to construct a multi-billion dollar oil storage facility.

Geingob is alleged to have suggested that civil servants responsible for the mess related to the tender would be given marching orders during the delivery of his State of the Nation address. President of the DTA McHenry Venaani questioned the seriousness of Geingob's claim and said the utterance was only made to save face, a claim and statement denied by Kapofi. “While the president is on record for his commitment to combating corruption, the words 'heads would roll' did not appear in the State of the Nation address for 2017. That the honourable member would ascribe to the president words he did not utter, is a cause for concern because it falls within the trend of fake news,” said Kapofi. He called on Venaani to be factual and lambasted his behaviour. “These inaccuracies, whether they are intentional or accidental, must be discouraged. What is expected from the leader of the opposition is accuracy and truthfulness,” said Kapofi. According to him, an investigation into corrupt practices had already been launched and charges had been laid against government officials possibly implicated. “Investigations have started and good progress has been made. Already, charges have been laid against some civil servants and we expect more light to be shed regarding the shortcomings and/or irregularities in the implementation of the of the national oil storage facility,” said.

“I am baffled and disheartened by Venaani's insinuation that the president may have not been genuine. I don't know what Venaani intends to say here… save face? Save face from what exactly?” Kapofi asked.

Kapofi also demanded an apology from Venaani and said that his conduct was disrespectful. “In my view, this question by Venaani is disrespectful - it is totally uncalled for,” concluded Kapofi. Ministry of finance permanent secretary Ericah Shafudah appears to be the only high-ranking civil servant who has been slapped on the wrist with regard to the fuel storage facility. Secretary to Cabinet George Simataa recently issued Shafudah with a last written warning for her failure to attend tender committee meetings related to discussions around the construction of the fuel storage facility.

OGONE TLHAGE