The Fiji’s Elections Office Manager Legal Mesake Dawai confirmed that the two Deed of Variations were signed by then Acting Prime Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, not former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
During his evidence yesterday and this morning, Dawai testified he became suspicious a crime was committed by the former supervisor of elections Mohamed Saneem due to the identical dates but different signatures on the DoVs.
However, lawyer Devanesh Sharma showed him the DoVs, which had the signatures of Mr Sayed-Khaiyum, not Mr Bainimarama.
Chief Justice Salesi Temo was also surprised that during Mr Dawai’s internal investigation of the allegations raised by Director Corporate Services Sanjeshwar Ram, the FEO lacked crucial letters and contracts in Mr Saneem’s personal file.
In this trial, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum is charged with one count of abuse of office while Mr Saneem is charged with one of receiving a corrupt benefit.
Mr Saneem faces a charge of receiving a corrupt benefit by obtaining deductible relief amounting to $55,944.03 as backpay from Mr Sayed-Khaiyum, who is charged with abuse of office.
Cross-examination continues.
