An investigation by the Attorney General’s office has revealed that payment vouchers issued to Christopher Pryde, the suspended director of Public Prosecution (DPP), were not officially approved. This finding was shared by Principal Accounts Officer at the AG’s office, Paula Naitoka, during the final day of the tribunal examining allegations against Mr. Pryde regarding unauthorized payments.
Mr. Naitoka noted that although the investigation had its limitations, they identified two questionable payment vouchers dating back to January 2011, the same year Mr. Pryde took up his role as DPP. He acknowledged that their investigation timeframe was constrained and was unsure about the availability of comprehensive records related to Mr. Pryde’s payments since 2007. Despite this uncertainty, he suggested that a more thorough review could have unearthed more pertinent records.
Additionally, he critiqued the Judicial Service Commission for not re-evaluating the clause under which Mr. Pryde conducted these transactions, emphasizing that the contract lacked clear stipulations on the amounts he was permitted to receive. This oversight highlighted the weaknesses in the contract’s preparation process.
Auditor General Finau Nagera supported these concerns, stating that further clarification about Mr. Pryde’s payroll practices should have been pursued. She mentioned that his payroll documentation needed to detail the amounts received and provide a clear explanation regarding the calculation processes behind those payments. Interestingly, she noted that similar practices occurred before Mr. Pryde assumed the DPP role, but those issues had not been addressed in Parliament at that time.
As the tribunal progresses, the Fiji Law Society has been granted until next week to submit their findings before the tribunal delivers its final report to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, set for December 23.
This investigation underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in public office, reinforcing the commitment to uphold integrity within the legal system. By addressing these issues head-on, the relevant authorities can make necessary reforms to prevent future discrepancies.
In essence, while the revelations may challenge the integrity of the involved parties, they also present an opportunity for improved governance and oversight in the future.
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