Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa confirmed the Public Service Commission’s investigation into Assistant Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Customs and Revenue, Alvin Onesemo over allegations of misconduct has concluded.
However the Cabinet has yet to discuss the PSC investigation as there are other pertinent issues on their agenda. Fiame who is the Minister of PSC said this will likely go before Cabinet by next week.
Onesemo is accused of allegedly releasing a shipping container to a member of his family who is now a Cabinet Minister, prior to proper approval.
Last month PSC Commissioner, Lauano Vaosa Epa said the full investigation report is before Cabinet for their review and consideration.
The investigation by the PSC into Onesemo started last year in June.
Around that time, former M.C.R. Commissioner Matafeo Avalisa Viali-Fautuali’i wrote to the Police to launch a criminal investigation; however, a month later she appealed to hold off the criminal investigation, pending an investigation by the PSC.
Eight months later, the Commission’s investigation concerning the ACEO-MCR is complete and a full report will be submitted to Cabinet for their assessment and decision.
Lauano defended the lengthy time it took to conduct the PSC investigation.
“The time and length of any investigation is usually determined by several factors such as, (though not limited to), the complexity of the issues, corresponding actions/responses of the parties being investigated, mandatory requirements of the PSC Act, unforeseen circumstances and events that affect either party and process.
Efforts by Radio Polynesia to get comments from the Assistant Chief Executive Officer were unsuccessful as of press time.
