Ombudsman refers Nauga to public prosecutor

THE Ombudsman Commission has referred Auditor-General Philip Nauga, pictured, to the public prosecutor for alleged misconduct in office.
The commission conducted an investigation, granted Nauga the right to be heard to which he responded and having deliberated on the matter, has determined that there is a prima facie case that Nauga was guilty of misconduct.
In a joint statement released by Chief Ombudsman Michael Dick and Ombudsman Richard Pagen yesterday, they said:  “As required by Section 20(2) of the Organic Law on the duties and responsibilities of leadership, the commission has notified Nauga of its intention to refer the matter to the public prosecutor.
“After being satisfied … there is a prima facie case that Nauga, auditor-general, has been guilty of misconduct in office and the commission decided to refer the official to the public prosecutor for his independent deliberations under Section 177(1) (b) of the   Constitution.
“The referral is in the hands of the public prosecutor, who has the discretion to bring or decline to bring proceedings under the Leadership Code for alleged misconduct of office.”