An investigation led by the Attorney General’s office has determined that payment vouchers associated with the suspended director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, lacked proper approvals. During the tribunal’s final day, Principal Accounts Officer Paula Naitoka provided testimony revealing that their investigative efforts, though somewhat limited, uncovered two payment vouchers dating back to January 2011, the same year Mr. Pryde was appointed to his position.
Mr. Naitoka explained that the timeframe for their investigation was constrained, and while he could not confirm if records prior to 2007 were scarce, he expressed belief that additional records may exist. He criticized the Judicial Service Commission for not thoroughly reviewing the clause under which Pryde made his transactions, noting it should have specified the allowable amounts he could receive. This oversight was identified as a flaw in the contract drafting process.
Auditor General Finau Nagera supported Mr. Naitoka’s findings, stating that further clarification from the DPP regarding his payroll was necessary. She indicated that the payroll records should have outlined clear amounts as well as the methodology used to determine these figures. Ms. Nagera mentioned that her office only became aware of these discrepancies after a request for investigation was made, acknowledging that similar practices had occurred before Mr. Pryde’s tenure in the DPP’s office but had not been addressed in Parliament.
The tribunal is set to receive submissions from the Fiji Law Society by next Friday, after which it will prepare its final report for submission to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu by December 23.
In essence, this examination underscores the importance of accountability and transparency within public office, highlighting the need for rigorous monitoring of financial transactions to uphold integrity in governance. The involvement of various legal authorities demonstrates a commitment to resolving the issues raised, potentially paving the way for increased oversight and reform in public service processes.
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