Dismissed reporters ask Lakes state parliament to reverse minister’s decision

November 18, 2013 (RUMBEK) – Six reporters working for a government-owned radio station in Lakes state have submitted a petition to the state parliament claiming they have been “unlawfully” dismissed or suspended without pay.

Two of the radio journalists were sacked and four were suspended from Radio Rumbek Fm-98 according to a document signed on 8 November by the Lakes state minister of information and communication, Dut Makoi Kuok.

The decision is reported to have been taken by the ministry in close consultation with Lakes state’s caretaker governor Maj-Gen Matur Chut Dhuol.

The petition, which was sent to the head of the committee of information, communication culture, gender, religious affairs, youth and sport at the Lakes state legislative assembly, Martha Ateriu Mamer, said that the parliament should insists that the minister revoke his decision or take “tough measures” against him.

The radio journalists said the minister had acted illegally by bypassing rules and regulations governing public service broadcasting. The radio staff requested Lakes state parliament to reverse the minister’s decision.

The petition was signed by Mr. Peter Macuei Ater, Mr. Mabor Riak Magok, Mr. Abraham Jonglei Jamus, Mr. David Kuacreng Nhial, Mr. Abraham Acien Deng and Mr. Peter Maliap Chieng.

Minister Kuok has come under heavy criticism for justifying his decision by quoting an article in Lakes state transitional constitution that reportedly can be used by the governor but not state ministers.

An MP who is a member of the Lakes state’s parliament’s information and communication committee told Sudan Tribune that “article 110 is under [the] governor’s powers and not [for] minister.”
payment.

(ST)

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