Home Minister Umar Naseer has said that he had instructed the Police to investigate the misappropriation cases against the former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb, during his tenure as the Tourism Minister. He alleged that the investigation was halted on the orders of the then Police Commissioner Hussain Waheed.
In a special interview given to Avas, Home Minister Umar said that corruption cases were plenty in the Government, judiciary, media and other areas. The Government, he said, was now focusing on mitigating the effects of corruption. Minister Umar said the biggest corruption allegations were leveled against Adeeb.
He said once Adeeb was removed from power and investigations into alleged corruption cases began, the level of corruption had dipped.
"The most allegations on corruption were against Adeeb, he is now arrested, his corruption cases are now under investigation. There is no doubt that he was involved in major corruption cases. But there is no doubt the issue is now improved," Umar said. Minister Umar said he is yet to reach the desired goal in combating corruption and that goal was to investigate the cases independently irrespective of the individual.
First time a Minister reported on a Minister!
Minister Umar said corruption in any form is unacceptable and that he would not hesitate to investigate corruption claims.
Minister Umar said he had ordered to investigate Adeeb's corruption cases and wrote a letter to that effect as well. The Minister said this was the first time a Minister had ordered an investigation on another Minister.
"I ordered an investigation on the corruption cases when Adeeb was the Tourism Minister. In the letter I ordered an investigation. Previously, in the nation's history no Minister had not ordered an investigation on another Minister. And I am the first person and I have determination to fight. If a case reaches to me, I will investigate the matter,"
Investigation was halted by Hussain Waheed!
The corruption cases against Adeeb were not investigated. Minister Umar said the investigations were halted by then Commissioner of Police Hussain Waheed.
Hussain Waheed was instrumental in spreading Adeeb's influence within the Police ranks. Hussain Waheed was removed from his position after the cases that had risen following the explosion aboard the launch.
No personal grudges against Adeeb!
Both Umar and Adeeb had been serious contenders and opponents in the political sphere. However, Umar said he had no personal grudges against the former VP, adding that he was never a friend to Adeeb.
When Adeeb was first appointed as Tourism Minister in Dr. Mohamed Waheed's cabinet, Minister Umar had objected to the appointment. He objected on the grounds that Adeeb was too young and inexperienced to fill that position. The issue had sparked huge debate within PPM. He raised objections against Adeeb's appointment as Vice President, which had earned him the displeasure of Adeeb.
"I objected to his appointment as Tourism Minister. I said in PPM that he was too young for his position. That sparked much debate," Umar said.
