By Osama Yamani
Okaz
THE objective behind the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, known in Arabic as "Nazaha", was noble. It was aimed at achieving transparency and fighting corruption in all its forms.
However, there are a number of organizations and establishments that do the work of Nazaha or portions of it. Some of them have more powers than those vested in Nazaha so they can do a better job and undertake bigger roles than this anti-graft commission.
This can clearly be noticed from the duties and powers given to Nazaha. The third article of its statute reads: The commission follows up the implementation of orders, investigates corruption cases, refers the violations to the supervisory bodies, pursues the execution of its role and objectives, encourages both the public and private sectors to adapt its programs, supports research and spreads awareness, among others.
It is clear that Nazaha does not have jaws or claws. There is no need for it to have such powers so that it will not be in conflict with other agencies that have greater powers.
The powers and duties of the Control and Investigation Board (CIB) are wider and much more than those of Nazaha.
The CIB is not a data-collecting body nor is it a follow-up organization. It makes thorough investigations to uncover violations and take necessary legal action against them.
Exactly opposite to Nazaha, the CIB does not refer the violations to any other party but it investigates them prior to taking them to courts.
This means the CIB has powers to prosecute the violators. Nazaha does not of course have such powers. It cannot go to courts directly, instead refers its findings to the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution (BIP).
The CIB also conducts studies to analyze common trends and phenomena and to suggest remedies for them. It uncovers the mistakes committed by the ministries and government departments and follows up slackness in the implementation of government projects in coordination with the Ministry of National Economy and Planning.
The Nazaha was established for a noble purpose but its little powers interlope and overlap with those of more powerful government bodies. It was not provided with the suitable tools to enable it to achieve its professed objectives.
Dr. Mohammed Sabban, an economic expert, called for supplying Nazaha with the jaws and claws necessary to do its work.
But I am calling for the merger of Nazaha with the CIB to put an end to the duplicity and overlapping of powers. The two bodies will, in this case, be able to join efforts against corruption.
They will be able to activate the procedures to promote transparency and combat corruption They will also be able to save a lot of financial and human resources.
Yes, we do not in fact need Nazaha. I sincerely hope it would be merged with the CIB to put an end to the duplication of responsibilities and overlapping of authorities. This move will put an end to the bureaucracy and unnecessary waste. The unification of powers of the two agencies may turn out to be a panacea for all our ills.
