LGA urges councils to cooperate with probes over ACC complaint

Local Government Authority (LGA) on Wednesday called on local councils to cooperate with investigating agencies following a complaint from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) regarding the GDh. Thinadhoo city council.

According to the ACC, the council did not fully cooperate with an investigation into allegations against it. The city council referred to officers conducting the investigation as thieves when they arrived at the council office.

The Thinadhoo council posted on its Facebook page that individuals had entered the council premises under the name of the ACC and taken certain items. The council later filed a case with the police, who stated that no theft was believed to have taken place.

Following this, the ACC issued a statement claiming that the Thinadhoo council was obstructing its investigation.

In response, the LGA released a statement noting that complaints had been received about some councils not cooperating with investigating agencies. No specific councils were named in the statement.

"We request councils to fully cooperate with investigating agencies, refrain from obstructing them in carrying out their legal responsibilities, assist them in fulfilling their duties, and comply with their instructions regarding cases," the LGA said.

LGA CEO Mohamed Nimal told Atoll Times that investigating agencies have specific legal responsibilities and that some councils are not providing the required cooperation. The authority has also received a complaint from the Thinadhoo council.

However, he stated that the LGA would not interfere in the dispute between the two institutions. If an investigating agency reports repeated obstruction, the LGA board will discuss the matter and decide on further action.

Ruling PNC MP for Thinadhoo North, Saudulla Hilmy, has filed multiple cases against the Thinadhoo council, which is controlled by the opposition MDP.