Former National Fire Authority (NFA) Board Chair John O’Connor has pleaded “Not Guilty” to corruption charges filed by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). This legal development occurred during a court session in Suva, where O’Connor appeared alongside Daniel Whippy, the Managing Director of Carpenters Fiji, who has also entered a “Not Guilty” plea to associated allegations.

O’Connor faces a single charge of Abuse of Office. According to the indictment, between January 1, 2018, and September 28, 2018, he is accused of instructing NFA officers to amend findings from a fire investigation report related to a blaze at the MH Warehouse in Walu Bay on April 8, 2018. These actions are believed to have been detrimental to the rights of the NFA and were allegedly aimed at benefiting O’Connor personally.

Whippy, on the other hand, is charged with Counseling for the Omission of Offense, as he is accused of advising O’Connor to make these unauthorized changes to the investigation report.

During the court proceedings, Whippy’s lawyer highlighted that he requires knee surgery and has been granted permission to travel overseas for the procedure, with a Stop Departure Order lifted for the period from February 2 to March 1, 2025. This request was not contested by the FICAC prosecutor, indicating a balance between individual rights and legal processes.

The court has set a follow-up mention for March 3, 2025, to further address the case and establish a hearing date.

This legal situation emphasizes the critical importance of accountability and transparency in public institutions in Fiji. As the proceedings progress, there is hope that they will reinforce public trust in governance by highlighting the necessity of ethical standards among public officials. The legal process is an essential mechanism for upholding justice, ensuring that those in positions of power are held accountable for their actions.