Fitial said he has read the OPA report which was critical of Buckingham.
“I think this thing has gone overboard,” the governor added. “I always believe that two wrongs do not make one right.”
Fitial said he has 30 days to act on the OPA report.
Ask if he will disclose OPA’s findings, he said: “Let me think about it.”
The administration’s failure to disclose OPA’s findings is further undermining public confidence in the government, according to former Rep. Tina Sablan.
In an email, Sablan said it was “disappointing” that the administration and the Attorney General’s Office have failed to release OPA’s findings.
OPA submitted the report last week to acting Gov. Eloy S. Inos and acting Attorney General Mike Ernest. Fitial was in Palau for the 14th Micronesian Chief Executives Summit while Buckingham was on personal leave.
OPA said based on the law, the report is confidential unless the administration decides to disclose its findings.
Public Auditor Mike Pai said “OPA cannot speculate on when or whether or not this report will be made public.”
But Sablan said the matter is about the conduct of the CNMI’s highest law enforcement lawyer.
She said it would be best for the AG to simply disclose the report, allow for public review, and accept responsibility and the consequences of its inappropriate action.
Buckingham organized the greet and meet gathering at the governor’s residence last August for ruling Covenant Party candidate Joseph N. Camacho.
Camacho lost to incumbent Congressman Gregorio C. Sablan in the November election.
