Latest update September 3rd, 2026 10:25 AM
The principles of transparency and accountability
Dear Editor,
Transparency and accountability are required by elected officials to justify their existence in the public space. Their stewardship is scrutinised by the subjects over whom they govern, we require no less. That critical and detailed examination of their actions is required at all times, if they fall beneath the bar then consequences should follow. This goes for both government as well as opposition, because, when you assume the position of government, public transparency and accountability become mandatory watchwords.
Recently, there has been a flurry of information as it pertains to the president’s corrupt acquisition of a large farm on the highway, this allegation has been done by the opposition leader Azruddin Mohammed himself. He comes on the scene as an overly concerned opposition leader, who has suddenly landed on a smoking gun story that would certainly bring Dr. Ali and his government down. He peddles his story with all the sensationalism that a politician of his ilk can muster, but is this the true picture of what is painted in the media? I think not, because, a true assessment of the political climate of this fugitive offender, turn concerned opposition leader, shows a man who is trying desperately to save himself from extradition to The United States to face corruption charges. So, as the noose tightens around his neck, he is trying every which way to stir up trouble for the Ali Government, while hoping somehow that his personal troubles will go away.
But what I can tell Mr. Mohammed, is that this is no new phenomenon when it comes to the opposition’s stance against the PPP/C, the corrupt blame represents a prime strategy employed by the PNC during The Jagdeo presidency; it was one of the PNC’s main deceptions in their arsenal of tricks. They hounded Jagdeo both locally and internationally, Pradoville readily comes to mind as their accusations reached melting point. So, this latest attack on Ali comes as no surprise. The point is, the opposition is going to use every clever subterfuge to distract from the real issue here, that is, his imminent extradition.
There is an integrity commission to which all public officials must declare their assets, and all allegations of corruption should be directed to that statutory body. The integrity commission has the powers to investigate, if there be any evidence of misconduct in public office. Dr. Ali in a show of transparency and accountability, has made his declarations to the integrity commission and that is all that matters. Then it behooves us to ask the question is Azruddin Mohammed of the mistaken belief that he is exempt from the said commission? Is he exempt from declaring his assets, while making accusations of the president? I think not.
Are we witnessing another episode of the biblical character Eli and his sons? Eli’s eyes could have been wide open to see the so-called inebriated lips of the praying sister, however, those eyes were conveniently blind towards the evil deeds of his sons. Is Nazar and Azruddin Mohammed a reenactment of that biblical father and son story?
Azruddin Mohammed is pretending to have morals, and virtues which he does not actually possess, because he points the accusing finger when he himself is the epitome of corruption. I leave my audience to judge.
Respectfully Submitted,
Neil Adams
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