Former National Fire Authority Board Chair John O’Connor has pleaded “Not Guilty” to corruption charges brought against him by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). This plea was entered during a court appearance at the Suva Magistrates Court alongside Daniel Whippy, the Managing Director of Carpenters Fiji, who also submitted a “Not Guilty” plea to related charges.

O’Connor is accused of one count of Abuse of Office due to his alleged directive to NFA officers, instructing them to alter findings in a fire investigation report from an incident that occurred on April 8, 2018, at the MH Warehouse in Walu Bay. The indictment claims these actions took place between January 1 and September 28, 2018, undermining the rights of the NFA and aiming to confer personal benefits upon O’Connor.

Whippy faces a charge of Counseling for the Omission of the Offense, accused of advising O’Connor to make these unauthorized amendments to the investigation report.

During the proceedings, Whippy’s attorney informed Magistrate Sufia Hamza of his client’s need for knee surgery, which requires overseas travel from February 2 to March 1, 2025. The FICAC prosecutor did not oppose this request, resulting in the lifting of a Stop Departure Order, thus allowing Whippy to seek necessary medical treatment.

The court has set a follow-up mention for March 3, 2025, to discuss further proceedings in this case. This legal situation not only emphasizes the critical importance of accountability and transparency within Fiji’s public institutions but also offers hope that the ongoing judicial process can restore public trust in governance. Upholding ethical standards in both public and private sectors is crucial for fostering integrity and confidence in leadership and ensuring that public officials are held to the highest standards of conduct.