Ombudsman starts inquiry into Buluma’s recruitment, security

The Office of the Ombudsman commenced a public inquiry into alleged irregular recruitment of National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma) deputy chief executive officer (CEO) Helen Buluma and that the company is spending K3.9 million monthly for her  security detail.

Ombudsman Grace Malera said on Thursday that she met Comptroller of Statutory Corporation Peter Simbani to get comprehensive responses in relation to the circumstances surrounding Buluma’s appointment.

She further said she also sought responses on why Buluma’s residence is guarded by armed police officers and private bodyguards outside her entitlement.

Malera also indicated that officials from the Office of President and Cabinet (OPC) attended the inquiry but requested for more time before responding.

She added that Buluma also sent an apology that she was not going to be available due to circumstances beyond her control.

Said Malera: “I have given OPC seven days from date of inquiry to respond, and a new date will be set for the Nocma acting CEO to appear, and if she shall not be available I shall proceed to issue a determination based on the responses from OPC and Comptroller of Statutory Corporation, who are the Respondents in this matter.”

In a letter dated April 20 2021to Nocma for Buluma’s attention titled ‘Investigation into allegations of conflict of interest, unfair and unreasonable discharge of functions and other acts of maladministration by the board and irregular recruitment of Ms Hellen Buluma as deputy chief executive officer of [Nocma]’, former Ombudsman Martha Chizuma gave the institution up to April 30 2021 to respond to the allegations.

Nocma did not respond, according to the office of the Ombudsman; hence, the fresh inquiry.

In a letter Reference OMB- LL- 2 0 2 1 – 3 5 7 , dated November 22 2021 titled ‘Investigations Into Allegations of Abuse of Office and Acts of Maladministration by Nocma deputy CEO, Malera instructed Buluma to respond to the allegations by December 2 2021.

Reads the Ombudsman’s letter in part: “In particular, you are to respond to the issues relating to allegations in relation to abuse of office by yourself as deputy chief executive officer in getting security detail not in line with your entitlements, provide information and supporting documents relating to your entitlement where the issue of security for your person and your residence is concerned.

“lf, indeed, you are getting security details as per the allegations in the complaint, explain the authority under which the same benefit is being accorded to you and, if, indeed, you are getting security details as per the allegations, provide information as to how such services are being paid for—whether the services are being charged to Nocma and why?”

According to a copy of Nocma employees’ Conditions of Service, the State oil firm’s CEO and the deputy are entitled to a day security guard and two night security guards plus an alarm or rapid response system.

Our sister paper Weekend Nation broke the story on how the State-owned company hired services from the Malawi Police Service (MPS) that include four police officers with two guns to guard Buluma’s residence and a gun-toting close protection officer (CPO) to guard her daily.

A CPO or personal bodyguard is reserved for senior officials such as judges, Cabinet ministers and their deputies, electoral commissioners, Speaker of the National Assembly and Leader of Opposition, according to police sources.