Gaspard told reporters Saturday he closed the matter due to insufficient evidence.
Five key Cabinet ministers who served under Manning gave evidence in the investigation, but that failed to convince Gaspard.
Bakr claimed in a affidavit that he and Manning made a deal prior to the 2002 general election in which Bakr would help Manning win the election in return for the forgiven of debts owed to the state from the failed 1990 Muslimeen uprising.
Manning had given lands to the Muslimeen but after a public outcry reneged on that decision and announced on September 14, 2002 that he had decided not to give the state lands to Bakr.
He said an alternative settlement of the issue would be sought that is acceptable to all concerned, including the people of T&T.
When Bakr raised the issue before the Privy Council the law lords rejected it but at the same time suggested that if indeed there was an agreement involving state lands and the Prime Minister, it would likely be a breach of Trinidad and Tobago's anti corruption laws.
A high court judge subsequently ordered an investigation of Manning with respect to Bakr's claims in the affidavit.
Read related story:Police question PM Manning on Bakr affidavit
Speaking at a media conference Gaspard said, “I perused the file and was of the view that I was not satisfied with the quality of the investigations. I directed the police to do further probing even though I was informed Abu Bakr was not cooperating."
He added that the investigation was not conducted as widely as it should "so I requested that several sitting politicians be interviewed. I also required for the investigators to go back to Abu Bakr."
He added, “The investigation was skewed and needed balance. The file was re-submitted to my office on July 2010. Evidence contained in the file is insufficient and cannot mount a criminal prosecution against former prime minister, Patrick Manning.”
He said Bakr’s testimony could not stand because of his dubious character and credibility.
Gaspard said what is needed is evidence from an independent source. “In order to go forward one would have required strong corroborative evidence of these allegations and the investigation revealed no such corroboration.
"I also considered whether any criminal culpability should attach to Abu Bakr and I was of the view that based on documents before me no prosecution could be brought against him with any reasonable prospect of success.
“In these circumstances, the CoP Dwayne Gibbs will be directed that no further action ought to take place in this matter.”
Among those interviewed by police were top PNM members Dr Keith Rowley, Kenneth Valley, Colm Imbert, John Rahael, Camille Robinson-Regis, Larry Achong, Lenny Saith, Joan Yuille-Williams, Martin Joseph, Glenda Morean-Phillip, Hazel Manning and John Donaldson.
Bakr told the Sunday Guardian he was shocked with the decision and advised the paper that he would offer his comments when he has all the details.
No comments:
Post a Comment