Former National Fire Authority (NFA) Board Chair John O’Connor has pleaded “Not Guilty” to corruption charges brought against him by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). During a recent court appearance in Suva, O’Connor, along with Carpenters Fiji Managing Director Daniel Whippy, faced allegations related to the misuse of authority during their respective tenures.

O’Connor is accused of abusing his position by allegedly directing NFA officers to alter the findings of a fire investigation report concerning an incident at the MH Warehouse in Walu Bay, which occurred on April 8, 2018. This investigation and subsequent actions are alleged to have taken place between January 1, 2018, and September 28, 2018. The claim suggests O’Connor’s actions were prejudicial to the NFA’s rights and intended to provide him with personal benefits.

Alongside these charges, Whippy faces accusations of “counseling for the omission of the offense,” as he is alleged to have advised O’Connor to make the changes to the investigation report. Both parties appeared before Resident Magistrate Sufia Hamza, who addressed the serious nature of the allegations.

During the court proceedings, Whippy’s attorney requested permission for his client to travel overseas for medical treatment, specifically knee surgery scheduled between February 2 and March 1, 2025. The FICAC prosecutor did not object to this travel request, allowing the court to lift a Stop Departure Order. The magistrate granted Whippy permission to seek necessary medical attention.

The matter is set to reconvene on March 3, 2025, where further discussions will occur regarding hearing dates for both defendants. This legal situation emphasizes the continuous efforts towards accountability in public institutions and corporate governance in Fiji, fostering hope for ethics and integrity in governance as the judicial process unfolds.

Such proceedings highlight the importance of maintaining transparency and ethical conduct among leaders, reassuring citizens about the mechanisms in place to uphold justice within the framework of the law.