Pryde Rejects Wrongdoing, Does Not Back Down
FIJI NEWS
The reinstated Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Christopher Pryde, has strongly denied any allegations of misconduct following a criminal complaint lodged against him by the Acting DPP, Nancy Tikoisuva, and the senior management team of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
In a press release issued on January 15, the ODPP confirmed that the complaint was referred to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) after a review of Mr. Pryde’s personal file revealed “several inconsistencies.”
According to Acting DPP Tikoisuva, the allegations include:
Payment of gratuities from 2013 to 2018 without the approval of the President.
Receiving gratuities in 2023 that exceeded his contractual entitlement.
Payment of life insurance instead of superannuation.
Payment of airfares for family travel outside the terms of his contract.
“These are just a few of the many allegations that have been referred to FICAC after a review of the accounts file,” said Ms. Tikoisuva.
Mr. Pryde, in a public statement, denied any wrongdoing and questioned the motivations behind the Acting DPP’s actions. He emphasized that his personal file had already been with the Office of the Chief Registrar for the past 21 months as part of a Tribunal investigation, during which only two allegations were brought forward and ultimately dismissed.
His statement was published on veteran journalist, Graham Davis' website www.grubsheet.com.au
He also noted that his contract and related payments had been audited biannually by both the Auditor General and the Ministry of Finance, with no issues ever raised.
“The haste with which the Acting DPP has reviewed my personal file and laid a complaint with FICAC, just days before I resume my duties, leaves me suspicious of her true motives,” said Mr. Pryde.
The Acting DPP has defended the decision, stating that the complaint aligns with the ODPP’s Whistle Blowing Policy and underscores the office’s commitment to transparency. She added that the ODPP is cooperating fully with the FICAC investigation, which included the execution of a search warrant at the ODPP.
Mr. Pryde has indicated his intent to address these matters directly with Ms. Tikoisuva when he returns to the ODPP on Monday.
This development comes shortly after Mr. Pryde’s reinstatement as DPP following a Tribunal hearing that cleared him of previous allegations. The matter now lies with FICAC, whose investigation will determine the next steps.