Former National Fire Authority Board Chair John O’Connor has entered a ‘Not Guilty’ plea to charges of corruption filed against him by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). The charges include one count of Abuse of Office, stemming from allegations that, between January 1 and September 28, 2018, he improperly directed NFA officers to amend the findings of a fire investigation report related to a fire that occurred at the MH Warehouse in Walu Bay on April 8, 2018. These actions allegedly undermined the rights of the NFA and were intended to benefit O’Connor personally.

O’Connor appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court alongside Daniel Whippy, the Managing Director of Carpenters Fiji, who also pleaded ‘Not Guilty’ to charges of Counseling for the Omission of Offense. It is claimed that Whippy advised O’Connor regarding the unauthorized changes to the investigation report.

During the court proceedings, Whippy’s attorney informed the judge of his client’s need for knee surgery, requesting permission for medical travel scheduled from February 2 to March 1, 2025. The FICAC prosecutor did not object to this request, resulting in the lifting of a Stop Departure Order, thereby allowing Whippy to attend to his medical needs.

The case is set for further mention on March 3, 2025, to determine the next steps in the proceedings. This legal situation highlights the ongoing efforts to promote accountability and transparency within Fiji’s public institutions. As the case unfolds, there is hope that it will reinforce ethical standards in governance and restore public trust in leadership, ensuring that officials are held accountable for their actions. The focus on integrity in public service is vital for fostering civic trust and maintaining the functionality of institutions.