NCA scandal: My hands are clean – William Tevie

Former Director-General of the National Communications Authority William Tevie has denied admitting to the BNI that he illegally received part of the alleged squandered $4 million meant for the purchase of some listening equipment for the national security.

Reports suggest Mr Tevie and other board members of the NCA shared the monies among themselves without paying the Israeli company, NSO Group Technology Limited, they contracted to supply the equipment.

The Daily Guide Newspaper mentioned in its report on the scandal that Mr. Tevie had admitted his guilt in the scandal to the BNI and offered to pay back the money he took.

But in a rejoinder, Mr. Tevie said the report was mischievous and baseless.

“I have never, at any time, whether privately, before the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) or any state investigating agency, admitted that I, William Tevie, Former Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), accepted any money or monies, and which I have agreed to refund. I was invited by the BNI and questioned about an allegation that some former Board Members of the NCA and I were given an amount of money to share,” portions of the rejoinder said.

He added that he has no knowledge of anybody, including board members the NCA of taking monies meant for the purchase of the listening equipment.

Below is the full text of the rejoinder

Rejoinder: NCA Boss To Refund $1.5m Cash

The banner headline of your May 16, 2017 publication, ‘NCA boss to refund $1.5m cash’ is not only false but diabolically concocted to mislead the reading public and tarnish my reputation.

I have never, at any time, whether privately, before the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) or any state investigating agency, admitted that I, William Tevie, Former Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), accepted any money or monies, and which I have agreed to refund. I was invited by the BNI and questioned about an allegation that some former Board Members of the NCA and I were given an amount of money to share.

I categorically denied the allegation. If the alleged monies were given or received by anybody or group of persons, I am not aware and I was definitely not a party to it. I hesitate to irresponsibly go into specifics because the transaction in question was handled by the National Security Council Secretariat because of its very sensitive nature.

Your reportage on the issue was not only mischievous but also smacked of ill motive. I am therefore demanding an immediate retraction and an unqualified apology to me failing which I will advise myself accordingly.

William Tevie

Former Director General

National Communications Authority