S. Sudan speakers vow to support Kiir’s anti-corruption crusade
July 18, 2013 (JUBA) – Top South Sudan government officials who attended the just-concluded 6th Speakers’ Forum in capital, Juba vowed to help President Salva Kiir in the fight against corruption in the country.
“The state speakers, parliamentarians and representatives of their governments have unequivocally affirmed strong supports to the president in the fight against corruption, because corruption ruins everything,” said James Wani Igga, the country’s national assembly speaker.
“Government plans do not go implemented in a system where individual interests are given priority,” he added.
Igga, who addressed reporters on Thursday, said attendees at the forum agreed to work together in fighting corruption and tribalism.
“My assessment as the moderator of the deliberations of the forum since it started shows that our people abhorred corruption and tribalism. All who have spoken during deliberations expressed concerns indicating that corruption is the source of division and hatred”, he said.
Madot Dut Deng, the speaker of Warrap state assembly equally affirmed the readiness of his Parliament to work together with the state government in fighting corruption, asserting it was high time all the institutions of government and private sectors stop the tendency of non-adherence to accounting procedures.
“There is a strong will in the government of Warrap state under the leadership of Governor Nyandeng Malek to fight corruption at all level and we are working hand in hand with her in the fight”, said Deng.
He further said the state government, in which he serves, has remained steadfast in fighting corruption. Deng, however, cited the launching and operationalisation of the anti-corruption commission branch office in the state as testimony of the government’s anti-corruption campaign.
The top state law maker also pointed out that the introduction and institutionalisation of internal auditors in key institutions was a clear indicator that the government was committed to eliminating corruption through the promotion of transparency and accountability.
Acting Council of States speaker, Remy Oler said he supports government’s effort to encourage the private sector to put in place structures and procedures that ensures restrict adherence to financial regulations and rules.
He urged the public to support government in its initiative to fight corruption.
“We must stand by the president. He is a good hearted man. He loves his people and the country. He wants to bring peace and development, but can he alone cannot do everything,” said Oler.
To achieve the desired results, it will require all of us, whether big or small, all the people to take a keen interest and support the various institutions and individuals involved in the fight against corruption, he added.
Policies in South Sudan, according to Oler, were initially implemented by the Khartoum-based government before the south gained its independence two years ago
“With independence South Sudan is now in position to implement its own policies like strengthening the monitoring of government expenditure to avoid spending without clear procedures,” the official stressed.
President Kiir recently suspended two of his senior ministers for alleged corruption involving the transfers of nearly $8m meant for the purchase of fire fighting equipments. Finance minister Kosti Manibe and his cabinet affairs counterpart, Deng Alor are currently under investigation over what has been termed as the biggest ever scandal in the country’s post-session era.
(ST)