An investigation led by the Attorney General’s office has revealed that payment vouchers associated with Christopher Pryde, the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, were not officially approved. Principal Accounts Officer at the AG’s office, Paula Naitoka, provided this information during the concluding day of the tribunal examining allegations that Mr. Pryde received payments without the necessary approvals.
While testifying, Mr. Naitoka acknowledged that although the investigation was not exhaustive, two payment vouchers dating back to January 2011—the year Mr. Pryde took office—were uncovered. He noted that the investigation faced time constraints that may have limited their findings. Although unavailable records from 2007 could not be definitively addressed, Mr. Naitoka maintained that there could have been additional records that were not inspected.
He emphasized that the Judicial Service Commission should have revisited the clause governing Mr. Pryde’s transactions, as it should have clearly defined the permissible amounts he could receive. This oversight pointed to weaknesses in contract drafting.
Supporting this perspective, Auditor General Finau Nagera expressed that her office should have sought more detailed explanations from Mr. Pryde regarding his payroll. She indicated that his payroll records need to clarify the amount received and the rationale behind it. Ms. Nagera noted that initial concerns about Mr. Pryde’s practices predated his appointment as DPP but had not been addressed previously in Parliament.
As the tribunal wraps up, the Fiji Law Society has until next Friday to submit their inputs before a final report is presented to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu on December 23.
This situation reflects the ongoing efforts within the judicial system to ensure transparency and accountability. It highlights the importance of thorough investigations and the necessity for clear and comprehensive contracts to prevent future discrepancies. As the tribunal approaches its conclusion, there is hope for an outcome that reinforces the integrity of the legal system in Fiji.
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