Kiir hints at removing suspended SPLM secretary general
September 21, 2013 (AWEIL) – South Sudan president Salva Kiir on Saturday hinted that Pagan Amum, the suspended ruling party (SPLM) secretary general could face dismissal for misconduct.
He was suspended two months ago and also barred from from addressing the media.
“I sent letters asking them to return $4 billion which went missing while in office, but they failed to respond. I opened an account with the minister of finance in Nairobi, Kenya and asked them to return, but they also did not response and instead of returning the money they again started illegal activities. They approved for themselves and sent transferred $8 million, which the government has now recovered”, Kiir told a public rally in Aweil, the Northern Bahr el Ghazal capital.
“This money was taken by individuals I dismissed recently,” he added.
The president, however, said the dispute between him and the party secretary general stemmed from his recent suspension of those involved in the illegal approval and transfer of $8 million meant for the purchase of fire fighting equipments.
“Instead of appreciating the decision, he [Amum] asked why I made my own decision to remove senior members without making consultation with the party leadership”, said Kiir
Former finance minister Kosti Manibe and ex-cabinet affair counterpart Deng Alor, were suspended for alleged involvement in the improper transfer of the $8 million.
But Kiir said he removed his ministers because the money belonged to the country not for individuals to be embezzled with impunity.
An investigation team formed to probe the two former ministers, however, found Alor guilty and could face criminal proceedings over his involvement in the money deal.
TOUGH CHOICES
The president now says the former SPLM secretary general has two choices of either appearing before the investigation committee or risk being dismissed from the party.
“He [Pagan] has now refused talking to the committee, but he will talk, otherwise he will have to make a choice. It will not be acceptable for someone to undermine the leadership and expects no decision,” warned Kiir.
“It cannot happen, we are a system,” he added.
The president also cautioned his ministers who intend to make their personal interests above national agenda, threatening to fire anyone who fails to perform their duties.
“The new cabinet which I have formed has a mandate to deliver services to the people of this country. It will not be a cabinet which will be led by those whose interest would override the national agenda,” he said.
“If they cannot deliver, then they will go the same way others have gone and allow those who will come to work for this country be appointed. This is what you want”, stressed the president.
The former secretary general has since constitutionally challenged the president’s directive, but court is yet to hear the matter. Dong Luak, one of the lawyers representing Amum fled the country alleging he was being threatened.
(ST)