An investigation by the Attorney General’s office has determined that payment vouchers issued to Christopher Pryde, the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), lacked necessary approvals. This revelation was disclosed by Principal Accounts Officer Paula Naitoka during the tribunal’s final session, which examined allegations of Mr. Pryde receiving payments without proper authorization.
Mr. Naitoka testified that while the investigation was not exhaustive, two payment vouchers dating back to January 2011—when Mr. Pryde was appointed DPP—were identified. He acknowledged that the investigation was conducted within a short timeframe and could not confirm the completeness of Mr. Pryde’s payment records dating back to 2007. However, he emphasized there could have been additional records that were not reviewed.
He pointed out that the Judicial Service Commission should have revisited the contractual clause related to the transactions, noting that it lacked clear quantification regarding the permitted payment amounts, which he viewed as a flaw in the contract’s drafting.
Auditor General Finau Nagera supported Mr. Naitoka’s assessment, stating that more clarity should have been sought from the DPP regarding his payroll. She indicated that the payroll records should outline specific amounts alongside explanations of how those amounts were determined. This irregularity was only detected following a request for investigation. Ms. Nagera also noted that Mr. Pryde had engaged in similar practices prior to his DPP appointment, yet these issues were not previously highlighted in Parliament.
As the tribunal wraps up its proceedings, the Fiji Law Society has until next Friday to submit their comments before the tribunal compiles its final report for submission to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu by December 23.
This investigation underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in financial transactions within public offices. It carries the hope that this scrutiny will pave the way for improved oversight mechanisms, enhancing the integrity of the judicial system. As the proceedings continue, there is potential for reforms that ensure such discrepancies are addressed proactively in the future.
Leave a comment