Investigate Ministry of Finance says RDP

THE Ministry of Finance and Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila should be investigated over the disappearance of State funds through various dodgy deals, said Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) Central Committee member Festus Naholo, at a rally in the North.

Naholo called on President Hifikepunye Pohamba to institute a judicial commission of inquiry into the management of the Finance Ministry.Naholo’s remarks came in the wake of recent high-profile arrests or suspensions of public officials over corruption charges stemming from deals involving Government funds. In recent weeks, Public Service Commissioner Tekla Lameck was arrested and detained and Lieutenant General Martin Shalli, head of the NDF, was suspended over alleged corruption involving millions.Naholo said those who have so far been arrested or suspended were not the only ones involved in corruption.’I think there are still many people who have and are eating up the Namibian peoples’ money, and they need to be arrested,’ Naholo said.He said the RDP was not happy with the way President Pohamba was handling the situation and that the Minister of Finance should be held accountable.’President Pohamba has to take action against his Finance Minister. He has to fire her or suspend her, while the current missing money is being investigated,’ Naholo said.Naholo also said the construction of the northern railway line needed to be investigated as there were many questions surrounding the finances of the project. ‘There are now many stories and allegations going on. The truth must come out, and that is why I am calling on President Pohamba to put up an independent judicial commission to investigate these stories and come out with the whole truth of the matter,’ he said. ‘We cannot wait till our money, the peoples’ money, has been finished by a group of people who are just enriching themselves while we are looking on and do nothing,’ Naholo said.The RDP leader also said that Swapo Party was busy sowing division amongst the various groups in the North and he appealed to RDP supporters not to be drawn into ‘barbaric’ acts of violence. Naholo then questioned why Swapo allowed Former President Sam Nujoma to use campaign platforms to insult opposition parties and members, while inviting foreign nationals to attend Swapo rallies. ‘Former President Nujoma held a Swapo rally here at Onheleiwa recently and they invited Angolans to come take part in the activities of Swapo – a political rally of another country. What is that? Is that not a violation of our international laws, and our own constitution?’ He asked. ‘This is dangerous, Pohamba must call Nujoma to order,’ Naholo said.oswald@namibian.com.na