Pomoso: Only one head of Customs

By JUNIOR UKAHA
RAY Paul, the new acting commissioner of customs, has refuted a claim that there are two people holding that post.
Paul said caretaker commissioner John Pomoso was appointed by outgoing commissioner Gary Juffa to lead the organisation until a proper appointment was made.
“This arrangement was done internally to ensure that Customs would at least have a figurehead to provide interim leadership and guidance for the staff as needed from time to time until an acting or permanent appointment was made,” he said.
Pomoso, who was until Oct 27 last year deputy commissioner regional operations, was appointed caretaker commissioner before Juffa’s departure.
But whether proper processes were followed or instruments effected to legitimise Pomoso’s appointment is unclear.
“The gazettal notice G381 would have revoked my acting appointment made by Juffa, and made the appointment of Ray Paul, so there is only one Commissioner (acting), not two,” Pomoso said in an email on Monday.
“Customs operations are not affected in any way, and work continues as normal.”
He said Customs staff had only reacted to the gazette notice because it said the acting appointment of Paul was for three months – and that  lapsed last Friday.
“I am (as of last Thursday) performing my substantive role as deputy commissioner regional operations.”
Paul said he was aware of allegations made regarding his appointment and that he intended to deal with it “within the established systems”.