Lakes state governor halts salaries of detained MPs

December 16, 2014 (RUMBEK) – The caretaker governor of Lakes state, Matur Chut Dhuol has the instructed his finance minister to withhold salaries of the two lawmakers detained in the state since October.

RumbeK North county lawmaker Marik Nanga Marik and his Rumbek East counterpart, Isaac Makur Buoc Apac have been detained without charge.

The state assembly speaker described the governor’s new directive to the finance minister as “an extra violation of the constitution”.

“When the governor was leaving for Juba, I received a letter written to the minister of finance and it read freezing salaries that in reference to decree number 32, 2014 for the wave of impunity of two honorable members date,” said Baipath Majuec Relpuou.

In a 11 December letter, the governor also instructed the finance ministry to withhold salaries of lawmakers who also double as state ministers.

But the speaker insists the governor’s move was “abnormal” since the two suspended MPs have not yet been charge for any crime.

He also expressed concerns about the families of the two lawmakers, saying it was improper for authorities to withhold their payments.

According to the speaker, the assembly has written to the Council of States members in the national parliament seeking their intervention.

Activists and traditional leaders blame the state government for allegedly failing to address insecurity in the region while repeated calls for Dhuol’s removal have been overlooked by President Salva Kiir.

(ST)