Probe insists on Lupari appearing in person
By JULIA DAIA BORE
CHIEF Secretary to the Government Isaac Lupari is still required to appear before the Finance Inquiry today, the Commission of Inquiry into the Finance Department ordered last Thursday.
This is despite his lawyer’s appearance on his behalf for the second time last Thursday morning with the answers to the six main questions asked by the inquiry.
The questions concerned the delays in the release of funds for the inquiry to get underway.
A disappointed chairman of the inquiry Maurice Sheehan, while hearing Mr Lupari’s answers, presented in writing by his lawyer to the commission last Thursday, still insisted that the Chief Secretary had to honour the official summons sent to him “and appear in person”.
Mr Lupari’s non-appearance three times last week was due to his ill-health, the commission was told by his lawyer Korken Levi.
Mr Levi said Mr Lupari “fails to see the need to answer the questions to him” which he said “were matters of administration, and feels that the inquiry is now investigation his department which is not in the terms of reference.”
He said on that basis, Mr Lupari asked the commission “to clarify” itself on the issues.
Responding to the commission’s queries, Mr Lupari said in the 2008 budget, K5 million has been allocated for the inquiry.
He asked the commission to clarify which particular budget it is seeking an acknowledgement for.
He said his office would ensure a shortfall of K2.3 million for the commission was met by the Finance Department.
On the commission’s question on an independent audit, Mr Lupari responded in writing that the independent audit was necessary to verify documentation arising from administrative failures by the commission secretary and staff in processing claims.
For example, time sheets for calculation of remunerations (against approved rates), tax calculations and deductions, claims for payments for goods and services, payment vouchers and related approval and requisitions in respect of all payments, contracts entered into by the commission and evidence of the public tender process, he said.
Mr Lupari said the audit is a direct cost of the commission for its lack of accountability and prudent financial practices in the management of the funds allocated to it.
He said there was no conflict by the chief secretary to the Government.
He added that as chief accountable officer, he would ensure funds are made available for recommencement of the inquiry and would do so until March 31 of this year when an interim report is expected by the Prime Minister from the commission.
On being asked whether the commission would have an interim report for the Prime Minister in six days, Commission Secretary Stephen Raphael said they would meet that deadline.
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