Former National Fire Authority Board Chair John O’Connor has entered a plea of ‘Not Guilty’ to charges brought against him by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). O’Connor’s court appearance took place at the Suva Magistrates Court, where he was joined by Daniel Whippy, the Managing Director of Carpenters Fiji, who also pleaded ‘Not Guilty’ to related charges.

O’Connor faces a count of Abuse of Office for allegedly instructing NFA officers to amend findings in a fire investigation report from their examination of a significant fire that occurred at the MH Warehouse in Walu Bay on April 8, 2018. The allegations state that between January 1 and September 28, 2018, he misused his authority to influence the official investigation, which allegedly undermined the rights of the NFA and sought personal benefits.

Whippy is charged with Counseling for the Omission of Offense, being accused of advising O’Connor to make these unauthorized changes to the findings of the investigation report.

During the court proceedings, Whippy’s attorney informed the magistrate about his client’s urgent need for knee surgery, requesting permission for medical treatment scheduled to take place overseas from February 2 to March 1, 2025. The FICAC prosecutor did not oppose his request, leading to the lifting of a Stop Departure Order for this timeframe, allowing Whippy to seek the necessary medical care.

The matter will be revisited in court on March 3, 2025, to discuss next steps in the legal proceedings. This case highlights ongoing efforts to enforce accountability and transparency within Fiji’s public institutions. The unfolding situation brings with it the hope that public trust in governance can be restored, reinforcing ethical standards and ensuring responsible leadership moving forward.

In this context, it is crucial for public institutions to maintain integrity, which is essential for the effective functioning and trustworthiness of governance in Fiji.