Dear Editor – On the outset, I must strongly condemn the practice of corruption that is ripening at SINU, and praise the people who kept updating the public on corrupt practises that has its roots traced to some of the seniors at the University.
In the context of corruption, when there are rumours of foul play or conflict of interest, the notable thing to do is to investigate the allegations to find out whether the rumours or allegations are reputable. And so the call made by one staffer of SINU as reported by the Solomon Star in its front page of issue No. 7941 Thursday 16th September 2021 for an inquiry into the SINU SAGA is notable and must be adhered to by the government if we are to established fact from rumours. This to me is a must and way forward, if we are to sort the SINU SAGA amicably.
However, in the meantime (refer to reports of alleged corrupt practices by those who were entrusted with higher responsibilities), it seems the responsible authority has turn a blind eye on all these reports and might not want to verify the details and nature of the allegations or rumours as expected. This is a very sad example of how people in higher authority can use their powers to protect their cronies or partners.
A fine example of how important is the idea to set an independent inquiry into establishing facts from rumours was the recent Honiara City Council (HCC) Saga.
After almost a year of media mudslinging and public outcry, the minister for Home affairs ordered are spot on audit to verify the allegations, after which the minister confirmed that these allegation were not political but facts beyond reasonable doubt.
I believe, if the minister for education and the SINU Council were committed to drive our national University forward as was the minister’s address to Parliament when ask by the leader of opposition during the question and answer session. Then they must believe that, inquire into all reported allegation at SINU is a step forward to attain such visions for SINU.
On the other hand, transparency and accountability are two fundamentals for institutional building and strengthening which those who aspire to drive change cannot over looked. Thus, I call on the SINU Council and the Minister for Education to come clean and call for are independent investigation into the so called SINU SAGA and not to believe the hearsay report which they always rely on as given to them by the people whom they might want to accept as trustworthy and innocent.
One out of the many malpractices that often put our very own institutions at risk is what I normally term as CRONISM networking. This idea is a co-operative disguise that people with same interest always use to enhance their agendas regardless whether it is a good one or a bad one. Through this network they eventually expose among themselves their true motives and desires (good or bad) which they over a period of time shared among themselves stealthily till they develop a sinister trust that is based on the principal of watch my back and I watch yours. This will then lead to their freedom to do whatever they wish, whenever they wish, regardless of procedures and protocols or what people say or think. Thus, again a thorough investigation by an independent commission is a must.
This beloved nation of ours, has suffered a lot of mishandling and maladministration far too long by the very once we intend to put our trust and confidence on to govern and administered these institutions. Over the years and months, our media outlets has publish reports of mismanagement, conflict of interest, maladministration and many other corrupt practices that has and almost taken the governments state own institution into bankruptcy or something else.
On this juncture, the individuals whose names were highlighted in the main stream and social media as culprits and burglars must be investigated. Shadrack Fanega, got himself implicated with a $20K monthly rent that was paid into his account as house rent for Vice Chancellor Dr Ghanesh Chand, who is currently in Fiji and does not occupy Fanega’s residence. Frank Lui who got himself into selling SINU building materials to Jessica Larui one SINU staff. Vanessa Hiale who shoved herself into the purchase of a working 3ton truck at the valuation of $5,000.00 dollars that she alleged to made the payment to the former deceased pro vice chancellor and not the finance division although she knew very well of the processes and where payments ought to be made. Jack Maebuta who was acting VC throughout was no doubt familiar with all these yet decided not to stand neutral. Vaselyn Zama who was the acting Pro vice Chancellor when all these malpractices eventuate never intend to deal with, although complains and reports were forwarded to her office for actions. All these, clearly questions the integrity of these individuals and validate the reason to investigate their innocence.
All institutions, whether private or public, must be governed by set of rules, regulations or constitutions to protect its integrity and to avoid any trouble that will put into question the integrity of those responsible for the social and moral development of such institutions. And SINU is not immune to having such document in place for its smooth functions, which means, any function or administration outside of its mandated function will be deemed ultra-vice and illegal.
All I’m saying is, let’s give justice a fair chance. Remember we are the builders and destroyer of democracy. Democracy is a none living idea. Its ideals and principals is realized only when the people who lived in its jurisdiction faithfully exert its intended ideals and principals. We are the danger to our democracy; we are the rot that will influence all others within its jurisdiction to rot. We are the very people to correct if we want to correct and materialized honesty, transparency and accountability into democracy.
Authorities please act to save our beloved SINU.
Sanau Aieile
South Malaita
