Geingob Denounces Demands for Scandal-hit Ministers' Dismissal
News - National | 2019-11-16
by Namibia Press Agency
President Hage Geingob (C) greeting supporters upon his arrival at Omuthiya in the Oshikoto region for a Swapo electioneering meeting on Friday, 15 November 2019. Photo:Mathias Nanghanda/Nampa
PRESIDENT Hage Geingob has denounced demands for the dismissal of two Cabinet ministers implicated in an alleged corruption scandal, on the grounds that they have not been proven guilty in a court of law.
Geingob, while addressing a Swapo election campaign rally at Omuthiyagwiipundi in the Oshikoto region on Friday, said the dismissal would, therefore, have been unfair.
“I could not fire the two ministers on the grounds that they are not yet found guilty of the alleged offence,” he said.
Justice minister Sacky Shanghala and fisheries minister Bernhard Esau allegedly received corrupt payments of at least N$50 million between 2014 and 2018.
The two ministers, as well as the managing director of Investec Asset Management in Namibia, James Hatuikulipi, and several others, are implicated of being involved in an international fishing quota scheme that generated millions of dollars in kickbacks.
Geingob also asked why the alleged scam is being exposed only during this time of electioneering, while at the same time expressing appreciation that Shanghala and Esau resigned voluntarily.
The pair resigned on Wednesday after Geingob summoned them to State House for discussions on the matter.
“They are out of the office and they are not ministers anymore – what is the problem?” Geingob asked, adding that Shanghala and Esau were not stubborn during their discussions.
Speaking at the same rally, Swapo's regional coordinator in Oshikoto, Armas Amukwiyu, encouraged Swapo members and supporters to vote for the ruling party and Geingob as its presidential candidate.
“At a time such as this, when our party is under attack by opponents and enemies, we should remain united,” he urged.
Namibians will go to the polls on 27 November for the 2019 presidential and National Assembly Elections.
– Nampa
by Namibia Press Agency
President Hage Geingob (C) greeting supporters upon his arrival at Omuthiya in the Oshikoto region for a Swapo electioneering meeting on Friday, 15 November 2019. Photo:Mathias Nanghanda/Nampa
PRESIDENT Hage Geingob has denounced demands for the dismissal of two Cabinet ministers implicated in an alleged corruption scandal, on the grounds that they have not been proven guilty in a court of law.
Geingob, while addressing a Swapo election campaign rally at Omuthiyagwiipundi in the Oshikoto region on Friday, said the dismissal would, therefore, have been unfair.
“I could not fire the two ministers on the grounds that they are not yet found guilty of the alleged offence,” he said.
Justice minister Sacky Shanghala and fisheries minister Bernhard Esau allegedly received corrupt payments of at least N$50 million between 2014 and 2018.
The two ministers, as well as the managing director of Investec Asset Management in Namibia, James Hatuikulipi, and several others, are implicated of being involved in an international fishing quota scheme that generated millions of dollars in kickbacks.
Geingob also asked why the alleged scam is being exposed only during this time of electioneering, while at the same time expressing appreciation that Shanghala and Esau resigned voluntarily.
The pair resigned on Wednesday after Geingob summoned them to State House for discussions on the matter.
“They are out of the office and they are not ministers anymore – what is the problem?” Geingob asked, adding that Shanghala and Esau were not stubborn during their discussions.
Speaking at the same rally, Swapo's regional coordinator in Oshikoto, Armas Amukwiyu, encouraged Swapo members and supporters to vote for the ruling party and Geingob as its presidential candidate.
“At a time such as this, when our party is under attack by opponents and enemies, we should remain united,” he urged.
Namibians will go to the polls on 27 November for the 2019 presidential and National Assembly Elections.
– Nampa
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