According to Tambadou, Kurang’s refusal to retract statements critical of the government despite pressure to apologize forced his hand. “Mr Kurang was only removed after I recommended for his removal,” Tambadou confessed, noting that the recommendation came exactly a week after Kurang was instructed to withdraw his comments. “He was not about to apologize,” Tambadou said, adding that the decision reflected the “burden of leadership” rather than personal animosity.
The former Justice Minister conceded that Kurang’s departure followed what he described as “ill-advised” language from the government in its dealings with the Commission. At one point, Tambadou admitted the approach amounted less to interference and more to a threat. He acknowledged that clandestine letters urging the suspension of sales were not the right way to engage with an independent commission.
But Tambadou stood firm on his choice: “When people cannot work together harmoniously, you have to make difficult decisions. That is the burden of leadership. It was not pleasant, but it was necessary.”
The counsel pressed him on whether the removal was in retaliation for Kurang’s defiance over tractor and livestock sales that cabinet had sought to delay. Tambadou brushed aside claims of political interference but admitted the government’s conduct at the time was far from transparent.
Kurang’s firing, seven days after he refused to back down, remains one of the most contentious turning points in the Commission’s history.
