By Chisomo Phiri
The High Court sitting in Blantyre on Thursday February 23,2023 moved on to dismiss an application for a judicial review that National Oil Company of Malawi ( NOCMA) former Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) Helen Buluma made against the Ombudsman’s decision to nullify her employment.
The former NOCMA Deputy CEO applied for the judicial review on the basis that she was not responsible for her own recruitment instead she accused Grace Malera of victimising a citizen contrary to the mandate of her office which is protecting citizens.
Among other arguments, she also contended that her employment was an issue within the context of private law.
But in his ruling, High Court judge Mike Tembo said the former Nocma DCEO failed to provide a legal basis for her arguments.
Tembo also ruled that there are no serious issues fit for further investigation at a full hearing.
Last year, Ombudsman Grace Malera ordered the NOCMA board to terminate Buluma’s contract and forfeit her terminal benefits following an investigation that exposed her irregular and unlawful recruitment following a directive from former president, Peter Mutharika.
