Incoming Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) director general Bryan Eiseb has been urged to lead the institution “like a wolf and not a donkey” as he prepares to take office.
The remarks were made by urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa during the National Assembly’s debate on Friday on Eiseb’s nomination.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah nominated Eiseb earlier this month following a motion tabled by prime minister Elijah Ngurare. Parliament approved the nomination without objection, leaving only the president’s formal appointment.
Eiseb will succeed Paulus Noa, who has led the commission for nearly 20 years.
Sankwasa said Eiseb was inheriting an institution whose credibility had been weakened by unresolved corruption cases and public distrust.
“I have a few warnings for the incoming director general because he is taking over an institution with a damaged reputation. I implore him to act like a wolf, one those who are corrupt would fear, and not like a donkey that everyone would like to ride,” Sankwasa said.
He cautioned Eiseb against allowing the commission to be weaponised for political or tribal agendas, stressing that the ACC must operate independently.
Sankwasa also urged the commission to concentrate on corruption involving gratification instead of ordinary theft cases, saying it should avoid duplicating the work of the police.
He said the long tenure of officials within the institution has created complacency, warning the incoming director general not to be absorbed into what he described as a “rotten system”.
“There are already deputy directors general and officials who remain, and he is the only clean one coming in. He must not be told, ‘This is how we do things here’,” Sankwasa said.
Responding to the debate, Ngurare said parliament has a responsibility to hold the ACC accountable for fulfilling its mandate.
“If we see something is wrong, let us call the ACC to account. We should also appreciate the outgoing director general because we cannot say no good was done. There may have been weaknesses here and there, but that is human,” he said.
Ngurare also acknowledged that the commission requires greater financial support to effectively investigate and prosecute corruption.
Swapo member of parliament Tobie Aupindi backed Eiseb’s appointment but said the commission must regain its independence.
“I look forward to an ACC that reforms itself and seriously focuses on combating corruption and not persecuting people,” Aupindi said.
Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian Armas Amukoto also supported the nomination, while urging Eiseb to apply the law equally.
“He must act impartially without fear or favour. I support the motion, but we will hold the commission accountable,” Amukoto said.
