The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, delivered a stern message to government appointees during the launch of a Code of Conduct, emphasizing the importance of responsible conduct and the serious consequences of corruption. He underscored the government’s commitment to holding all individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their position or political affiliation. This commitment, he asserted, extends to current government officials and is not limited to pursuing cases against appointees from previous administrations. This unwavering stance is intended to foster a culture of integrity within the government and ensure that the public trust is upheld.
Dr. Ayine reiterated that corruption would not be tolerated within the current administration and that he would personally ensure any appointee found to be engaging in corrupt practices would face the full force of the law. He emphasized the impartiality of his office and stated that he would pursue investigations and prosecutions against any official, regardless of their relationship to him or their standing within the government. This commitment, he explained, was crucial to demonstrating the government’s genuine dedication to combating corruption and establishing a level playing field for all. The message was clear: no one is above the law, and the pursuit of justice will be applied equally to all.
The Attorney General drew a parallel between the current government’s commitment to prosecuting corrupt officials and the ongoing Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) initiative, which targets officials from the previous administration accused of corrupt practices. He explained that this consistent approach demonstrates the government’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all individuals are held accountable for their actions. This parallel serves not only as a deterrent but also as a demonstration of the government’s resolve to address corruption comprehensively, regardless of when the alleged offenses occurred.
Dr. Ayine emphasized that simply dismissing a corrupt appointee from their position is insufficient. He stressed that criminal proceedings and appropriate sanctions are necessary to address the gravity of corrupt acts. He outlined the process, stating that if an appointee’s actions constitute criminal conduct, the Attorney General’s office will initiate an investigation and, if warranted, prosecute the individual in court to ensure that they face the full legal consequences of their actions. This approach highlights the government’s commitment to not just removing corrupt individuals from office but also holding them criminally accountable for their wrongdoing.
He further clarified that the termination of an appointment does not preclude subsequent criminal investigations and prosecutions if the individual’s conduct warrants such action. The dismissal is an administrative action, while the potential criminal proceedings are a separate legal process. He emphasized this distinction to underscore that individuals cannot evade legal consequences simply by resigning or being removed from their positions. This multifaceted approach ensures a comprehensive response to corruption, addressing both the administrative and legal aspects of the misconduct.
Dr. Ayine concluded with a direct appeal to government appointees, urging them to adhere to the highest ethical standards and avoid any actions that could lead to their dismissal or prosecution. He expressed his personal desire to avoid the unpleasant task of investigating and prosecuting colleagues, emphasizing that proactive ethical conduct is the best way to prevent such situations. This appeal served as both a cautionary note and an encouragement for appointees to embrace the principles of integrity and accountability, ultimately contributing to a more transparent and trustworthy government. He framed adherence to ethical conduct not simply as a legal obligation but as a collective responsibility to uphold the integrity of the government and the trust of the public.
