FORMER Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) chief executive officer Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has expressed relief that good sense ultimately prevailed, while maintaining that abuse of office charges brought against him and FBC chief financial officer Vimlesh Sagar had been frivolous from the outset.
The comments came after the Prosecution formally dropped all charges, with Prosecutor Setefano Komaibaba filing a nolle prosequi signed by acting FICAC Commissioner Lavi Rokoika just as the trial was set to open in the Suva Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum was charged with abuse of office for gain and an alternative count of general dishonesty causing a loss. He was accused of initiating five legal proceedings without board approval between July 2017 and January 2023, incurring costs of $138,813.37.
Mr Sagar was charged with general dishonesty for allegedly approving $15,075.88 in payments to a law firm without prior board authorisation.
Speaking outside court, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum stated that the two-year legal battle had caused severe emotional strain on his family.
“The whole thing has been quite ridiculous,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
“Unfortunately, it put my family, my children, my wife, my parents, through a lot of trauma and hurt. I’m just glad it’s over.
“I just hope that this sort of nonsense doesn’t reoccur for anyone.”
He criticised the prosecution as a waste of public resources and taxpayer money and said he hoped good sense would prevail in a related pending matter.
Mr Sagar also welcomed the outcome after enduring more than 900 days under legal scrutiny.
He maintained that both executives acted within their delegated authority and strictly adhered to high standards of corporate governance, ethics, and integrity throughout their tenure.
“As authorised officers, we know our delegations of authority”, he said.
“We work under corporate governance as well with the highest level of ethical and governance levels.”
He said he had more than 22 years of service and had consistently upheld integrity and good corporate practices.
The pair have a separate matter before another court, where they are charged in relation to the tender and procurement of a 3.0-litre Volkswagen Touareg valued at $207,470. The matter is set for trial from November 2 to 6.
