EDITORIAL During President Hage Geingob’s six years in office, four ministers have resigned over corruption allegations or conviction.The only two other ministers to leave office during that period where fired by Geingob - over Swapo internal rivalries.
The question on everyone’s lips this week, following the supposed resignation of defence minister Peter Vilho, is whether Geingob actually has the backbone to stare unscrupulous elements in the eye and exclaim “you’re fired”.
Right now, these resignations paint a picture of ministers who are leaving on their own terms, with little, if any, evidence that they would have been pushed had they not resigned.
This foggy picture paints a very questionable impression of Geingob’s supposed legacy and commitment to fighting corruption.
True, everyone accused of corruption deserves a fair audience with the appointing authority. But the impression right now is that ministers resign on their own accord and would have retained their positions if they wanted to.
This is a dangerous signal to broadcast because it sends nary a chill down the spine of would-be corruptors.
Voluntary resignations portray the president as having the backbone of a chocolate éclair, too weak on authority and too scared to make his mark in the fight against corruption.
Looters should not have the luxury of vacating office on their own whims and at a time of their choosing. We hope that ‘resignation’ is only a term used to dignify these departures and save face.