Fadhilah to be sworn in Saturday

SURABAYA: Governor Imam Utomo is scheduled to swear in Fadhilah Budiono as Sampang regent for a second term, despite an ongoing corruption investigation.

Gunarto, spokesman for the provincial government, said here on Thursday that the swearing-in ceremony would take place in the Grahadi building in the provincial capital on Saturday morning.

He declined to comment on the results of an investigation into allegations of corruption by Fadhilah, which triggered opposition to his nomination for another term.

The Provincial High Prosecutor's Office presented on Tuesday Fadhilah's corruption case to the governor and local officials, including outgoing East Java Military Command chief Maj. Gen. Sudi Silalahi and East Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Sutanto.

At the meeting, the governor called on local officials to recommend that Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno suspend Fadhilah following his inauguration because the corruption case was being processed.

Fadhilah said he has not been informed about his inauguration, which has already been delayed for one year, saying it would depend on the governor and the central government.

He said he was ready to resign from his position should he be proven guilty in the corruption case. --Antara