Lakes State MPs boycott swearing in of new officials, Governor puts parliament on recess
April 16, 2013 (RUMBEK) – Seven new ministers and three commissioners, who were appointed last weekend by Lakes state’s caretaker military Governor were sworn into office on Tuesday but the event was not attended by state MPs angry that the parliament has been forced into recess.
Lawmakers from Lakes state’s parliament boycotted the swearing in ceremony, complaining that the state’s interim constitution an election for a new Governor vote should taken place three weeks ago.
Governor Matur Chut Dhuol, was appointed in January, replacing Chol Tong Mayay, who was sacked due to continued insecurity in the state. In such circumstances an election is supposed to be held with 60 days.
On Friday, Governor Dhuol instructed the Speaker of the Lakes State Legislative Assembly, John Marik Makur, to grant a recess to lawmakers, without providing a reason. Lakes state MPs say the Governor has forced the parliament to go for recess against their will.
Marik Nanga MP, who represents Rumbek North County, said that the assembly was very “surprised” by Speaker Makur’s actions at the parliament has been due to hold three sessions on important issues.
The Governor’s was effectively closing the assembly by force, he said, adding that “this recess is against constitution.”
Governor Dhuol had previously warned that he would close the parliament MPs continued to discuss politics. He was also taken many other controversial moves including baning alcohol and the mass arrest of young men who are being held without trial or access to legal representation in military prisons.
Some residents complain that Dhoul’s approach to governance means they are living under martial law, referred to as “rush hour” laws among many in Rumbek.
NEW MINISTERS
The new cabinet falls someway behind the weekend cabinet announcement was criticized for having undermined the affirmative action policy of South Sudan’s ruling party – the SPLM – to have women making up 35% of all positions.
Considering the high illiteracy rates in South Sudan, especially among women, the target is very ambitious. Of the 19 officials appointed by Dhuol only two were women.
At the swearing in ceremony Governor Dhuol asked the newly appointed commissioners to deal with insecurity across their counties and directed the new ministers to fully support his hardline security reforms.
“There is urgently need of stability in this state” said Dhuol.
He warned officials and the general public against breaking the public on alcohol, reminding them of his over order banning idleness, which he said created and a negative atmosphere.
Dhuol reshuffled his cabinet on Saturday, reappointing some state ministers and introducing some new faces. On Sunday the governor caused public outcry when he appointed eleven director generals to various ministries, without following the established proceedure.
The majority of those interviewed by Sudan Tribune on Tuesday said the decree issued contravenes the public service regulation provisions, which requires the appointing authority, as a procedure, to nominate people for the state’s cabinet to debate.
Under the previous system ministers selected the best person to work with as their Director General only after they have been approved by the council of ministers.
(ST)