RCC wants CEO out of way while probe conducted

THE Board of Directors of the Roads Construction Company (RCC) yesterday confirmed that it had suspended Chief Executive Officer Kelly Nghixulifwa with immediate effect (starting Wednesday this week), to clear the way for an internal investigation.

Chairman of the Board Otto Shikongo said in a brief press release that the board had resolved to investigate alleged irregularities “of a governance nature” at the RCC. “It was therefore decided that it would be in the best interests of both Nghixulifwa and the RCC itself if the investigation took place in the absence of the CEO,” Shikongo said.Shikongo did not say why Nghixulifwa was suspended, but said if the alleged irregularities were proven true, the general public would understand why the RCC board had decided not to disclose any details at this stage.”Due to the nature of the alleged irregularities, the board has found it necessary not to divulge any details of the investigation at this stage,” he wrote.”We are confident that should the details be released at a later but suitable stage, the position that the board has taken in this regard will be appreciated.”Every effort is being made to bring the matter to a conclusion as soon as possible,” Shikongo concluded the brief press release.Nghixulifwa confirmed to The Namibian on Wednesday that he had been suspended but that he was in the dark about the reasons for the suspension.He, however, acknowledged that accusations had been levelled earlier about alleged improper behaviour linked to his purchase of a luxury car for his wife, and the alleged use of RCC money to settle overdue bond payments for another senior manager.* John Grobler is a freelance journalist; 081 240 1587″It was therefore decided that it would be in the best interests of both Nghixulifwa and the RCC itself if the investigation took place in the absence of the CEO,” Shikongo said.Shikongo did not say why Nghixulifwa was suspended, but said if the alleged irregularities were proven true, the general public would understand why the RCC board had decided not to disclose any details at this stage.”Due to the nature of the alleged irregularities, the board has found it necessary not to divulge any details of the investigation at this stage,” he wrote.”We are confident that should the details be released at a later but suitable stage, the position that the board has taken in this regard will be appreciated.”Every effort is being made to bring the matter to a conclusion as soon as possible,” Shikongo concluded the brief press release.Nghixulifwa confirmed to The Namibian on Wednesday that he had been suspended but that he was in the dark about the reasons for the suspension.He, however, acknowledged that accusations had been levelled earlier about alleged improper behaviour linked to his purchase of a luxury car for his wife, and the alleged use of RCC money to settle overdue bond payments for another senior manager.* John Grobler is a freelance journalist; 081 240 1587