Lakes state finance minister dismisses corruption allegations

March 2, 2012 (RUMBEK) – The minister of Finance, Trade and Industry in South Sudan’s Lakes state, Pur Chienggen Dakbai, has strongly denied corruption allegations level against him by Lakes state parliament in January.

Chienggen was summoned by state lawmakers to answer financial mismanagement in January. Corruption is one of the largest problems facing South Sudan.

Speaking to the press, Pur said that he had answered the allegations of financial mismanagement and convinced the parliament that no corruption had taken place.

The corruption allegations against him were “baseless”, he said.

Madhieu Makuac Adhil MP, told Sudan Tribune that members on the Ahoc financial committee had been convinced by the minister reports but the document was still being study by August House.

On Saturday Lakes State Governor Chol Tong Mayay retook his oath at the signing of the state’s translational constitution. He called upon Lakes state officials to work hard for the state welfare and discourage idleness.

Governor Chol fired six director generals in various ministries as well chairperson and his deputy of the Lakes state Anti-corruption commission due their poor performance.

Following a decree by South Sudan president, Salva Kiir, in February senior officials have to hand South Sudan’s Anti Corruption Commission (SSACC) a form by the end of March detailing their assets and wealth.

Any official not meeting this deadline will be asked to resign. So far the results of the declarations have not been made public.

(ST)