By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Arising from the viral sex tape of the Director General, National Financial Investigation Agency in Equatorial Guinea, Baltasar Engonga, authorities have directed the installation of surveillance cameras in all state body offices.
Engonga was arrested for allegedly recording over 400 sex tapes, some involving wives of prominent men in the country.
In a bid to ensure compliance to public service laws and combat misconduct among officials of government, the country’s Vice President, Teddy Nguema ordered that the surveillance cameras be installed.
The scandal was blown open during a fraud-related probe involving Engonga a 54-year-old Economist.
It led to the search of his house and office by investigators without notice. They came across several CDs which later revealed his sexcapades with different married women, including his close relatives.
The country’s Vice President announced that the CCTV initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“We have taken this measure to ensure compliance with the law on public officials and to eradicate improper and illicit behaviour,” a social media post from office of the Vice President reads.
Authorities have sounded a note of warning that any violation caught on camera will be met with severe repercussions.
“We will not admit any fault that denigrates the integrity of our administration, and those who engage in these practices will face drastic measures,” it continued.
While the government emphasised that this step is crucial for promoting an environment of accountability, the policy has stirred varied responses from public sector employees and human rights advocates.
While some officials have applauded the move as a step towards reform, others have raise concerns about potential privacy implications.
However, the government has assured that the initiative aligns with existing legal frameworks aimed at strengthening governance and safeguarding public resources.
The VP noted that the installation of surveillance systems in state offices signals a resolute stand against corruption and misconduct, marking a pivotal step in fostering an atmosphere of transparency and trust within public service.
“The government will soon implement the installation of surveillance cameras in all offices of state bodies. We have taken this measure to ensure compliance with the law on public officials and to eradicate improper and illicit behaviour. We will not admit any fault that denigrates the integrity of our administration and those who engage in these practices will face drastic measures,” the post translated from Spanish by Google Translate read.
Earlier, the VP on Monday announced that the government will immediately suspend any officials involved in sexual relations within ministry offices, as it violates the Code of Conduct and Public Ethics Law.
This decisive action, he said, reinforces a zero-tolerance policy towards behaviour that undermines public service integrity.
