In an interview with KSPN, Buckingham said: “If you wanted to do a fair investigation, I respect that. [But] don’t do it with people I prosecuted. Don’t do it with people who have a political agenda…. Come in, ask the facts, and I and others will answer them honestly. But if you want to play politics, then let’s call it what it is. It’s plain politics and it is coming from a perspective that is indeed biased.”
Buckingham said OPA investigators misrepresented the facts regarding the controversial $392,406 sole source contract awarded by the governor to former Commerce Secretary Michael Ada with the AG’s approval.
Buckingham said Public Auditor Mike Pai, in an October letter, indicated support for the sole source contract.
He quoted the letter as stating: “OPA is aware of Mr. Ada’s extensive knowledge of the ARRA programs, and understands the need for continuity and compliance with the reporting requirements.”
Buckingham said, “Now, those aren’t my words, those are his. I looked at his words before I signed the contract. Now he may want to rewrite history and say that doesn’t count.”
Buckingham said OPA was “retaliating” at him because the AG’s office prosecuted an OPA investigator, John M. Santos, who was earlier charged with one count of unlawful purchase of ammunition, and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition.
The Superior Court dismissed the charges after the AGO moved for its dismissal with prejudice after finding that administrative action had been taken against Santos.
Buckingham claimed that “OPA covered his [Santos] criminal conduct.”
Buckingham said he also found it improper and in violation of the Constitution when then-Attorney General Matthew Gregory gave prosecutorial powers to OPA.
“So I took that away,” the AG added.
He believes that OPA is out to get him.
“I don’t like investigations where they seem to be saying we’re going to find somebody to blame…. Whether it’s going to be me or someone else,” Buckingham said.
Last week, senators adopted Senate Resolution 17-62, urging the CNMI Bar to investigate Buckingham for ethical violations.
Also adopted was S.R. 17-63 urging OPA to “supplement” the report of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s inspector general who stated that Ada’s contract may have violated CNMI ethics rules and Procurement and Supply regulations and should be considered null and void.
Some senators described Ada as a “victim,” adding that it was all Buckingham’s fault.
This reporter asked the AG if he believes he is being used as a “sacrificial lamb,” but he has yet to reply.
The local Bar Association had yet to issue a statement regarding the Senate’s resolution, but Variety was told that CNMI Bar Association president Sean Frink may be asked by OPA to investigate the AG.
