NUST council defies ACC on Naomab probe
Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) chairperson Florette Nakusera has refused to initiate an investigation into the conduct of vice-chancellor Erold Naomab and will hand the responsibility over to a new council, which takes over this month.
Naomab faces allegations of misuse of public funds, nepotism, tribalism and abuse of power.
Nakusera made her decision known to Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) director general, Paulus Noa, in a letter on Friday, which was the deadline set by ACC for the council to confirm whether or not it would initiate a probe into the allegations.
Incoming council’s job
The ACC said failure to do so would force the commission to initiate its own investigation at the university.
"I wish to state that the matter remains prominent on the NUST council agenda for further auctioning and will be carried forward to the incoming council as our extended tenures lapse this weekend (2 July).
"I will provide a full report on the same to the incoming chairperson of NUST council for further auctioning," Nakusera wrote.
Meeting request declined
She ignored a request by NUST council deputy chairperson Michael Humavindu to call for an extra-ordinary meeting to discuss the allegations against Naomab.
"Comrade chairperson, in amplification of my numerous emails in the past, and in line with our fiduciary duty, I herewith wish to request that you urgently convene an extra-ordinary council meeting within 48 hours in order to give council the opportunity to comply with the directive of the Anti-Corruption Commission before the deadline and for council to acknowledge the missive, and thereafter provide feedback as requested," Humavindu wrote in an email to Nakusera, copied to higher education minister Itah Kandji-Murangi and other members of the NUST council.
Forensic investigation
Noa informed Nakusera of his intention to conduct an investigation should NUST’s council opt not to.
"Though these allegations might have already been brought to your knowledge, we bring the same to the attention of the council to urgently consider contracting a competent forensic body to conduct an investigation of such allegations," Noa wrote, as previously reported by Namibian Sun.
Noa, when called for comment, said he was out of town and had not seen any feedback from Nakusera.
"I will share the way forward with you," Noa said.
Naomab faces allegations of misuse of public funds, nepotism, tribalism and abuse of power.
Nakusera made her decision known to Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) director general, Paulus Noa, in a letter on Friday, which was the deadline set by ACC for the council to confirm whether or not it would initiate a probe into the allegations.
Incoming council’s job
The ACC said failure to do so would force the commission to initiate its own investigation at the university.
"I wish to state that the matter remains prominent on the NUST council agenda for further auctioning and will be carried forward to the incoming council as our extended tenures lapse this weekend (2 July).
"I will provide a full report on the same to the incoming chairperson of NUST council for further auctioning," Nakusera wrote.
Meeting request declined
She ignored a request by NUST council deputy chairperson Michael Humavindu to call for an extra-ordinary meeting to discuss the allegations against Naomab.
"Comrade chairperson, in amplification of my numerous emails in the past, and in line with our fiduciary duty, I herewith wish to request that you urgently convene an extra-ordinary council meeting within 48 hours in order to give council the opportunity to comply with the directive of the Anti-Corruption Commission before the deadline and for council to acknowledge the missive, and thereafter provide feedback as requested," Humavindu wrote in an email to Nakusera, copied to higher education minister Itah Kandji-Murangi and other members of the NUST council.
Forensic investigation
Noa informed Nakusera of his intention to conduct an investigation should NUST’s council opt not to.
"Though these allegations might have already been brought to your knowledge, we bring the same to the attention of the council to urgently consider contracting a competent forensic body to conduct an investigation of such allegations," Noa wrote, as previously reported by Namibian Sun.
Noa, when called for comment, said he was out of town and had not seen any feedback from Nakusera.
"I will share the way forward with you," Noa said.
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