Big shots told to step down for poll

THE Ombudsman Commission has called on all chief executive officers (CEO) and board members and directors of statutory authorities to resign from their posts if they intend to contest this year’s general election.
The commission has provided similar advice to leaders subject to the Leadership Code that they should disassociate themselves from the public offices if they intend to contest the election.
Chief Ombudsman Ila Geno and acting Ombudsman Mavara Sere said in a statement yesterday that the OC had information that certain CEOs and members of statutory boards were still in public office and spending official time and public resources to further their chances of election to Parliament.
“The Ombudsman Commission is obliged to investigate and pursue such conduct of leaders subject to the Leadership code. Those respective leaders concerned should cease this improper conduct,” they said in the statement.
“The commission urges all members of the public and employees of statutory organisations to ensure that public resources are not expended for personal gain by any individual,” the Ombudsmen said.
They said although chief executives and directors/members of boards of State-owned enterprises and statutory bodies may not be subjected to public service general orders, those intending to contest this election are bound to consider their obligations under the Leadership Code and the body they are appointed to serve.
“As leaders, they must not use their position for personal gain or raise questions as to whether they are using their offices to advance their political careers.”
They cited Section 27 of the Constitution that a person subject to the Leadership Code must not use his position for personal gain or not engage in any activity that might be expected to give rise to doubt in the public mind as to whether he is carrying out or has carried out his duty to compromise his position or demean his office.

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