Former National Fire Authority (NFA) Board Chair John O’Connor has pleaded “Not Guilty” to corruption charges filed against him by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). O’Connor made his plea alongside Daniel Whippy, the Managing Director of Carpenters Fiji, who also entered a “Not Guilty” plea during their court appearance at the Suva Magistrates Court.
O’Connor faces a charge of Abuse of Office, stemming from allegations that he improperly directed NFA officers to amend findings in a fire investigation report related to a fire at the MH Warehouse in Walu Bay on April 8, 2018. These actions are said to have occurred between January 1 and September 28, 2018, and allegedly undermined the rights of the NFA while intended to provide personal benefits to O’Connor.
Whippy is charged with Counseling for the Omission of Offense, accused of advising O’Connor to make these unauthorized amendments to the investigation report.
During the court session, Whippy’s attorney informed the magistrate of his client’s need for knee surgery, requesting travel permission for medical treatment scheduled between February 2 and March 1, 2025. The FICAC prosecutor did not oppose this request, and the magistrate granted Whippy permission to travel following the lifting of a Stop Departure Order.
A follow-up hearing is scheduled for March 3, 2025, to determine further steps in the case.
This case highlights important ongoing efforts to ensure accountability and transparency within Fiji’s public institutions. As it progresses, there is hope that the judicial process will not only hold individuals accountable for their actions but also restore public confidence in governance and leadership integrity. The focus on maintaining ethical standards in both public and private sectors is crucial for fostering a culture of integrity in Fiji’s institutions.
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