Former National Fire Authority (NFA) Board Chair John O’Connor has pleaded “Not Guilty” to charges of corruption brought against him by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). He appeared alongside Daniel Whippy, the Managing Director of Carpenters Fiji, during a court session at the Suva Magistrates Court to address these serious allegations.

O’Connor faces a charge of Abuse of Office, relating to his alleged directive to NFA officers to alter findings from a fire investigation report concerning an incident at the MH Warehouse in Walu Bay on April 8, 2018. The indictment states that these actions occurred between January 1 and September 28, 2018, and suggests that they were prejudicial to the rights of the NFA, intended to confer personal benefits to O’Connor.

Whippy has also entered a plea of “Not Guilty” and is charged with Counseling for the Omission of the Offense, accused of advising O’Connor to make these alterations to the investigation report.

During the court proceedings, Whippy’s attorney revealed that he requires knee surgery, prompting a request for overseas travel permissions. The FICAC prosecutor did not object, leading to the lifting of a Stop Departure Order from January 30 to March 2, 2025. The magistrate granted Whippy the necessary permissions for medical treatment.

The case is set to continue with a follow-up mention scheduled for March 3, 2025, to arrange further hearings.

This legal situation highlights the critical importance of accountability within public institutions in Fiji, as ongoing efforts are made to uphold ethical standards in governance. The proceedings serve not only to address serious allegations but also reinforce the need for transparency, fostering hope for an outcome that bolsters public trust in leadership and governance practices. As the judicial process unfolds, it emphasizes the essential principles of integrity and responsibility that will ideally lead to positive changes in public trust and institutional integrity.