Nauru leadership code makes politicians more accountable
The Government of Nauru has
delivered on its pledge towards transparency and accountability by
adopting a new Leadership Code which aims to hold those in power
and authority accountable for their actions.
A report of the Select Community on
Leadership Code was presented to Parliament of Nauru on May 12 with
the Bill shortly to be introduced and adopted by the House.
Once enacted, Nauru will join other nations in providing the
opportunity for its citizens to enforce accountability of elected
leaders through such a Leadership Code.
The Honourable Russ Kun M.P. resided as Chairman over the
Committee responsible for establishing the code and says the
definition of a leader is widespread and not confined to elected
officials.
"Police officers, church leaders,
business leaders, community leaders, and youth leaders all come
under this umbrella and will now have to act in such a way
befitting their standing or risk the consequences."
To implement and enforce the Code,
an Ombudsman will be established with he or she preferably an
expatriate and entreated from the Commonwealth Secretariat and
selected by members from Government, Opposition, the Judiciary and
the community.
"The Ombudsman will have full
separation from power from all tiers of Government and the
Judiciary, and will have the discretion on whether to proceed with
an investigation if they find the complaint substantial enough to
warrant further investigation" said Mr Kun.
"For more serious breaches and criminal related allegations, the
Ombudsman can forward his recommendations to the Director of Public
Prosecutions".
Mr Kun said the Committee knows a
strong Leadership Code is pivotal in making the Government of the
day more accountable and responsive to its citizens needs, while
also building confidence and trust in the workings of politicians
and senior leaders.
"It's all about holding people accountable and ensuring a leader's
first responsibility is to the people they serve. Their first
loyalty must be to their office and not self-interest."
Justice Minister Honourable David
Adeang has assured the House his Department will fast track the
Leadership Code Bill at the next sitting of Parliament.