S. Sudan parliament probes N. Bahr el Ghazal deputy speaker
September 16, 2013 (JUBA) – South Sudan Parliament on Monday formed 10-member committee to investigate the deputy speaker of Northern Bahr el Ghazal state assembly, Athiang Manok over alleged misconduct.
The lawmaker reportedly described national assembly members as “greedy” and “ill informed” people, calling on President Salva Kiir to dissolve the entire parliament.
Telar, a former legal adviser to the president, was last month rejected by at least 150 lawmakers who did not support his bid to become justice minister on account that he lacked the desired qualifications.
Victor Omuho, an MP from Eastern Equatoria State raised a motion over Manok’s utterances, which the assembly considered an abuse that undermines its integrity.
“The house today unanimously voted to form facts finding committee including motives which prompted utterances of such negative and degrading remarks against the honorable House of Representatives, which is the symbol of our country,” Charles Majak, a member of the assembly told Sudan Tribune on Monday.
“If someone has a problem with some people, they should limits it to themselves and show respect to the national institution,” he added.
He however stressed that the house is constitutionally mandated to vet and approve cabinet ministers appointed by the president.
The deputy speaker of the national assembly, in a separate interview, confirmed the formation of the probe committee to look into the comments allegedly made by the Northern Bahr el Ghazal lawmaker.
“Yes the committee with representatives drawn from each state has been formed. It will investigate the cause and the motives before submitting the full report with the findings to the house after seven days”, said Mark Nyipuoch.
The final report of the 10-member committee is expected within a week.
Meanwhile, the majority of lawmakers interviewed by Sudan Tribune said Manok should be held responsible for the statements attributed to him in the local press.
(ST)