Tribunal: Lelang guilty

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Wednesday 10th April, 2013

 By ELIAS NANAU

THE Leadership Tribunal hearing four misconduct charges against Kandrian-Gloucester MP Joseph Lelang says it is satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to indict him.

“The leader stands guilty on the charges before us,” tribunal chairman Justice Salatiel Lenalia said yesterday.

The charges relate to Lelang’s failure to furnish annual financial returns to the Ombudsman Commission for two periods between 2008 and 2010 when he was the department of national planning secretary. 

“Last week the leader (Lelang) admitted liability. 

“We had time to read through the facts or statement of reasons prepared by lead investigator Richard Pagen,” Lenalia said.

The tribunal also read Lelang’s affidavits deposing that he had many work commitments and therefore filed the returns late.

Lelang also said it was his first experience as a public office holder to submit returns and that he was not familiar with the process.

The tribunal has adjourned for two weeks and lawyers are expected to argue on penalties to be imposed when it resumes.

Lelang is expected to file and serve his evidence to be considered as mitigating factors within seven days.

He is also expected to file a character reference from a senior police officer who is believed to be overseas.