Louis Lobong Lojore, the governor of Eastern Equatoria State, has issued a stern warning to his cabinet ministers, cautioning them against the unjust suspension of competent civil servants and the employment of their relatives to fill vacant positions.
The governor’s concerns were expressed during a press statement by Oringa John Godfrey, the press secretary in the Office of the Governor, shedding light on the current state of employment and civil service at the state headquarters in Torit.
According to the governor’s office, there have been instances where ministers have suspended senior civil servants without following proper procedures. Moreover, these ministers have replaced these experienced professionals with their immediate relatives, who possess lower employment grades and lack the necessary qualifications for senior positions. Consequently, the quality of work has suffered, leading to frustration among essential staff in various ministries.
“His Excellency, the governor is deeply disappointed to learn that certain ministers have been suspending civil servants without adhering to the prescribed procedures. Such actions are legally unacceptable because ministers, as constitutional officeholders, do not possess the authority to suspend civil servants. The responsibility for addressing any misconduct in the ministries lies with the public services department, which, if necessary, will inform the head of the state to take appropriate action,” clarified Oringa John Godfrey.
He further elaborated, “His excellency the governor has also been informed that some officials, particularly ministers, have been suspending civil servants and appointing their relatives to fill the resulting vacancies. This practice is completely unacceptable, and these officials have no credible authority to engage in such actions. It constitutes misconduct, and it should be noted that politicians within these institutions should protect civil servants, particularly those in senior and supervisory positions, who possess the technical expertise necessary to advise state ministers on appropriate measures. These matters will be thoroughly investigated, and directives have been issued to the State Secretary-General to ensure that all suspensions are investigated and appropriate actions are taken by the state governor, not the ministers.”
The press secretary further expressed that the actions of the implicated ministers in suspending senior staff members constitute an abuse of their political power.
Ikodio Christine, a female activist working for the Women With Impairment Organization (WWIO) based in Torit, welcomed the state government’s initiative and emphasized that employment should be based on merit.
“I wholeheartedly support the governor’s actions because as long as individuals are competent to perform their jobs, they should not be suspended. Furthermore, it is inappropriate to employ one’s relatives since the government is not an organization meant for favouritism or nepotism. It is a government that represents all tribes of South Sudan in Eastern Equatoria State. The government has every right to prohibit ministers from engaging in such practices of favouritism or employing family members,” stated Christine.
“I urge those in positions of power to seek out capable individuals rather than relying on family connections. It is not right to appoint a relative who lacks knowledge of the relevant department where they will be assigned to work. Therefore, I strongly advise them to appoint qualified individuals. Our state is diverse, and we should bring people from all tribes as long as they possess the necessary skills and qualifications for the positions,” stressed Christine.