E. Equatoria secretariat general sacked for inciting tribal violence
By Ijoo Bosco
May 6, 2014 (TORIT) – Eastern Equatoria state’s former secretariat general, Charles Atul, said he was removed after false claims he instigated inter-tribal killings among the Buya Loriyok and Didinga tribes of Budi county.
Atul accuses Budi county authorities, including the county commissioner, of making baseless allegations to the state governor, prompting his removal.
The outgoing secretariat general said he had been tasked by state governor Louis Lobong Lojore to investigate what sparked inter-tribal violence in Camp 15 and consult with local chiefs and the Budi county commissioner.
Atul said he was let down by authorities in Budi county and as a result had reported false information to the state governor leading to his sacking late last month.
He strongly denied the allegations levied against him, accusing his enemies within the state government of spreading lies.
“I have no problem with anybody, including the commissioner,” Atul said.
However, Atul said he intended to open a court case against Budi county authorities for having tarnished his name and causing his removal.
Atul handed over to acting deputy secretariat general Joseph Obulamoi after leaving office on Tuesday, saying other formal procedures would be completed in coming days.
The outgoing secretariat general called on his deputy and the directors of different units to continue to work for the improvement of government services in Eastern Equatoria state.
He also apologised for anyone who felt wronged during his tenure and said he looked forward to pursuing other challenges and opportunities in the future.
Meanwhile, Obulamoi hailed Atul for his charismatic approach and service while in office, saying he will be missed by many.
The Eastern Equatoria state governor issued a decree last month sacking four senior members of his administration.
As well as Atul, peace and security advisor Claudio Suleiman Liling, commissioner of headquarters Marko Akio Ukinbuil and his Magwi county counterpart Francis Okech Oteka were also removed from their positions.
(ST)