South Sudanese tycoon Ayii Duang Ayii (Radio Tamazuj)

Businessman Ayii threatens to sue parliament for defamation

The proprietor of the South Supreme Airlines Ayii Duang Ayii has threatened to sue parliament over a summon.

Businessman Ayii said the House has no authority to summon him.

The threat comes after the businessman defied the National Legislative Assembly summons concerning allegations related to leaked cheques of over US$190 million.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday evening in Juba, Businessman Ayii said he was demanding over US$190 million arrears from the government for a contract he had executed since 2013 during the crisis.

“I did not ask for the contract. It is the government that used my planes, fuel and food during the hard times (2013 conflict),” he said.

The businessman confirmed that he was summoned by parliament, but could not attend as the summon came late while he had some business schedules.

“The summon letter was brought to at 3:30pm and I was told to appear before parliament at 10am the next day. There are things you want me to bring along, how do you expect me to do it, give me time,” Ayii said.

“Even the court summon gives you a timeframe of 72 hours,” he added.

“We have directed the company legal advisor to respond to the head of parliament to withdraw his immunity (chairperson of committee) because he spoiled the company’s reputation and to prove to us what he meant over what he said.”