AR backs ACC nominees, warns against another Fishrot

Affirmative Repositioning (AR) member of parliament Vaino Hangula has backed the appointment of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) incoming director general while adding that Namibians will closely monitor the institution to ensure it delivers on its mandate.

Contributing to the parliamentary debate on Friday, Hangula said he supported the nomination of Bryan Eiseb as director general and the extension of deputy director general advocate Erna van der Merwe for institutional continuity.

He, however, said public confidence in the ACC has been eroded by major corruption scandals over the past two decades, particularly the Fishrot scandal.

Hangula recalled that when the ACC was established in 2005, many Namibians believed it would eliminate corruption and protect public resources.

He said those expectations have largely gone unmet.

“We are weary of the torturous two decades of sweeping corruption under the carpet. We are weary of the net that catches the small fish while the big fish slip through,” he said.

Hangula said while AR supports the nomination, it would subject the commission to close scrutiny.

“Our glasses are no longer rose-coloured. Instead, we are grabbing the magnifying glass,” he said, adding that the party would ensure the ACC remains accountable.

He concluded by warning that AR would remain a constant watchdog over the commission’s work.

“We give you the president’s nomination but best believe that we will be a pebble in the armpit of the ACC,” he said.

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