DNR officials 'mock' at reporters' pizza party, escape queries

Senior officials at the Department of National Registration (DNR) escaped questions from journalists on Tuesday after hosting a pizza party as a 'mockery' amid accusations of abusing personal information of citizens at DNR to fill forms for the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) inside the office.

DNR is facing allegations of facilitating a membership drive for PNC and misusing its premises. Accusations have surfaced online, claiming DNR officials were involved in filling out membership forms for the PNC inside the department.

Photos circulating on social media show PNC membership forms being processed in a meeting room at the DNR. Another photo depicts a pizza party in the same room, with Homeland Minister Ali Ihsan, Deputy Minister Ahmed Aaly, and State Minister Abdul Majeed Ibrahim reportedly present.

In response to the allegations, the DNR invited journalists for a briefing to showcase its operations on Tuesday. However, the session raised further concerns when reporters were taken to the same meeting room where the membership forms were allegedly filled. Journalists noted pizzas were lined up on the table, raising questions about the purpose of the event.

State Minister Abdul Majeed Ibrahim addressed the media, dismissing the allegations as baseless. He stated that while the Ministry of Homeland Affairs had submitted 1,500 applications for membership, there was no evidence of any irregularities involving the DNR.

“There is no basis for the allegations,” Majeed said, adding that any serious claims would be investigated by the responsible authorities.

When pressed about the photos and allegations, Majeed denied knowledge of political activities being conducted at the DNR. He attributed the use of the meeting room to standard procedures, stating that the room is available to various departments upon request.

Ihsan also dismissed the allegations, claiming no political activities had occurred within the DNR. He stated that the meeting room is released for ministry purposes and that the DNR does not retain copies of ID cards, which are required to join political parties.

Despite repeated questions from journalists, both Majeed and Ali avoided providing direct answers. When further questioned, the officials ended the briefing abruptly and left the venue.

The event concluded with a brief presentation of the DNR's work, leaving many questions unanswered. Calls for a thorough investigation into the allegations have been raised by observers and media outlets.