EDITORIAL: The Ombudsman can prosecute, but can't

Last year, the law determining the functions of the Office of the Ombudsman was amended to give it prosecutorial powers, the same way the National Public Prosecution Authority and the Military Prosecution Department operate. But up to this day, the body is yet to get personnel to do the job. According to the office, they are still waiting for word from the Public Service Commission (PSC). No explanation has been given for the delay, but there should be no excuse for not plugging loopholes caused by the lack of powers to prosecute whenever necessary. One year is too long to leave a vital component of the government hanging yet there in no lack of manpower. It is carte blanche for offenders to go scot-free and this country cannot afford it. This is a question the National Assembly should be raising as it debates the Ombudsman’s report tabled before it, and make sure that other future legislations are enforced in the shortest time possible. While the government has vowed to leave no stone unturned in its fight against corruption, it’s up to everyone to follow in its stride, the PSC inclusive The Prime Minister’s Office should make it a priority to see that the Office of the Ombudsman is given all necessary resources to carry out its job, There is no time to lose.

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EDITORIAL: The Ombudsman can prosecute, but can't