The Transition Committee overseeing the power transfer to the incoming administration has affirmed the legality of ongoing recruitments and payments being conducted by the outgoing government.
During its second meeting on Friday, December 13, the committee clarified that the outgoing administration’s actions are lawful unless evidence of illegality is presented.
“All ongoing recruitments and payments have been subjected to statutory approvals and are considered lawful unless proven otherwise,” the committee declared in a statement.
The committee encouraged individuals with specific allegations of wrongdoing regarding recruitments or payments to submit evidence for further investigation and decision-making.
This response follows concerns raised by the incoming administration about last-minute recruitments and disbursements by the outgoing government, which some fear could burden the new leadership.
In a bid to streamline the transition process, the committee has approved the formation of six additional subcommittees to focus on key areas:
- Finance and Economy
- Energy and Natural Resources
- Legal and Governance
- Infrastructure
- Interior and Public Safety
- Social Sector
Each subcommittee will comprise three representatives from both the outgoing and incoming administrations. Senior officials, including the head of the Civil Service and the Cabinet Secretary, will provide technical support where necessary.
Handing-over notes from various sectors are to be delivered promptly to the subcommittee chairs to enable immediate commencement of their work. The subcommittees are expected to submit preliminary findings within a week to keep the transition on schedule.
The Transition Committee also refuted claims suggesting a halt to all ongoing recruitments and payments or that such actions required direct approval from the team.
“The outgoing administration’s mandate officially ends at midnight on January 6, 2025,” the committee emphasized, adding that it remains committed to ensuring a smooth and transparent transition.
Outgoing sector ministers, agency heads, and technical staff will be engaged in discussions related to their respective sectors to ensure continuity.
The government reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with the incoming administration, ensuring a seamless handover of responsibilities on January 7, 2025.