Auleria Wakudumo
The president of the National Collaborative Board of Namibia (NCBN), Ingashipola Lucas has resigned with immediate effect, citing unfair treatment, procedural injustice, and an unlawful reduction of his monthly allowance by the organisation’s National Executive Council (NEC).
His resignation marks the latest escalation in a months-long dispute involving financial misconduct allegations, an incomplete investigation, and internal political tensions within the youth focused organisation.
In an official statement released on Monday, Lucas confirmed that he had stepped down from his role as NCBN president, a position he held as an elected volunteer leader.
“My resignation is in no way an admission of guilt, but a response to unjust and unfair treatment by members of the organisation’s leadership,” he clarified.
Lucas detailed that in June this year, he was suspended from weekly council meetings after being accused of mismanaging organisational funds. The NEC resolved to institute a 14-day investigation, including a financial audit and an opportunity for Lucas to defend himself.
However, according to Lucas, the investigation did not take place, and he was never called back to work or given the chance to present his defence.
He claims that despite his suspension, organisational policy entitled him to continue receiving his monthly allowance of N$6 000 along with other benefits. Instead, he discovered without notice or explanation that his allowance had been reduced to N$650, a decision he calls unlawful and retaliatory.
“I asked what triggered the deduction of my salary from the head of finance, but she never responded to my text messages,” he said.
Bangladesh summit controversy
Lucas is one of the three senior officials accused of receiving funds for a trip that may not have taken place.
The allegations surfaced after an internal disciplinary hearing on 5 April 2025, part of an inquiry into N$105 000 disbursed for three officials Lucas, NCBN chairperson Rebecca Cornelius, and finance chief Agnes Paul, to attend a youth summit in Bangladesh from 10–14 January 2025. Each official received N$35 000 for travel and accommodation.
Questions emerged when several NCBN members claimed to have seen the officials in social venues around Windhoek during the dates they were allegedly abroad. The absence of photographic evidence from the event further fuelled suspicion.
When asked to explain, the officials reportedly said they had declined to sign photography consent forms at the summit.
Lucas strongly denies the allegations. “The funds we received were used for flights and accommodation, in accordance with our travel plans,” he said.
He dismissed claims that he was seen in Namibia during the summit, insisting that he does not drink alcohol and does not frequent bars where some claim he was spotted.
Lucas says he and his co-accused are now working with the summit organisers to obtain official records and photographic evidence confirming their attendance. Speculation also arose regarding Lucas’s recent use of a new vehicle, given his volunteer status. Lucas rejected any insinuation of impropriety.
He further dismissed the allegations regarding the vehicle, explaining that he is not solely employed at the organisation and has additional income sources.
He said he purchased the car last year using money he had earned from his own work.
Lucas has consulted legal advisors and plans to pursue a civil case against the NCBN for breach of contract, unfair treatment, and damages.
“I am committed to clearing my name and ensuring that those responsible for these unfair actions are held accountable,” he stated.