Former prime minister Angula defends ACC boss Noa’s tenure and reputation

Former prime minister Nahas Angula has defended Anti-Corruption Commission head Paulus Noa’s term in office, saying despite challenges, the ACC boss and his team have been doing their best to combat corruption.

This follows recent criticism from the public and political sphere that the ACC head appointment process should be reviewed and more transparent.

Others believe Noa has done little to combat corruption.

He was appointed during Angula’s tenure as prime minister, and his term is scheduled to end in June.

Angula says the ACC Act outlines the recruitment procedure and specifies how it should be conducted, and should therefore be followed accordingly.

“The anti-corruption office is challenging. Noa and his team have been doing the best, given the challenges of that office,” he says, adding that these challenges require the support of all citizens in the fight against corruption.

Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah insists on an impartial leader to regain public trust and work free from political influence.

“The next ACC leader should be independent, firm, and willing to act without fear or favour. The commission needs a leader who restores public trust and shows through action that no one is above the law, regardless of political position or influence,” he says.

Kamwanyah emphasises transparent hiring, suggesting public interviews for shortlisted candidates to showcase their anti-corruption views to Namibians, saying transparency will help build confidence in the choice.

“The commission should look for a leader with no active political ties and no history of serving party interests,” he says.

While recognising Noa’s efforts at the institution, he says there are concerns that corruption involving influential figures wasn’t adequately tackled during his tenure.

Kamwanyah highlights the need to empower the ACC with enhanced prosecutorial abilities for more effective investigations leading to accountability.

Former parliamentarian Joseph Kauandenge echoes Kamwanyah’s sentiments, saying it is not entirely correct for the president to have the executive authority to appoint the director general of the ACC.

“This undermines the credibility and transparency expected in the appointment of the ACC’s director general,” he says.

He says the ACC office has been compromised to the extent that it has been used on various occasions to settle personal political scores among different factions, while failing to prosecute notable individuals accused of corruption.

Kauandenge suggests that anyone in that position should undergo a lifestyle audit and that the parliament should have the power to summon them periodically to address questions and concerns arising from their work, serving as a safeguard for the most vulnerable members of the society.

Noa led the ACC from 2006 until December 2020, and his contract was extended for six months for a replacement by former president Hage Geingob, despite objections.

In 2021, Geingob reappointed Noa for another five years, potentially totaling a 20-year term as head of the anti-graft agency.

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