"I was ready to submit resignation but I became a victim of brutal political game" - the President of the Supreme Audit Office (NIK) Marian Banaś said in a statement on Wednesday. He declared he was ready to asnwer any questions asked by investigators, and if need be, to give up his immunity. "I shall continue my mission with a sense of responsibility," he added.
In a statement published on Wednesday at the NIK website Banaś said that had been ready to step down as Poland's chief auditor "due media revelations regarding his activity, but first and foremost, driven by care for the future of NIK". "To my regret, however, I have understood that I have become a victim of brutal political game," he added. Banaś accentuated that NIK is one of the most important state offices that commands utmost respect. "As the head of the Office I mustn't allow for it to become object of political games and bargaining. No, I won't stand for it," - he announced.
NIK chief said that he has been appointed for the office in line with all procedures. He added that only firm leadership can guarantee smooth functioning of the Office.
"I've never said that I'm a man free of faults.
Banaś declared that he was ready to answer any questions asked by investigators and explain all their concerns. "If need be, I'm ready to give up my immunity as the NIK chief. At the same time I declare to firmly protect my good name and that of my family," he stressed.
"Therefore, in a sense of responsibility for the Supreme Audit Office, I shall continue the mission I've been entrusted with by the Parliament," Banaś declared.
The Marshal of the Sejm Elżbieta Witek said on Wednesday that Marian Banaś had not submitted his resignation, denying reports by "Dziennik Gazeta Prawna" from Monday.
"I haven't met with him, I haven't received any documents, he hasn't handed in his resignation," Witek informed.
The Prosecutor's Office in Białystok launched an investigation on Tuesday into alleged irregularities in Marian Banaś' asset and tax declarations.
Autor: gf / Źródło: TVN24 News in English, PAP
Źródło zdjęcia głównego: Supreme Audit Office (NIK)