Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore has attributed his government’s failures to deliver services to the shortcomings of peace partners who constitute the national unity government.
He made the remarks on Wednesday during the swearing-in ceremony for the state commissioner of the Insurance Regulatory Authority, Koma Geofrey Iligo Paul of the SPLM-IO who he appointed on 12 April by gubernatorial decree.
According to Lobong, the current system where government positions are shared by parties that signed the peace agreement has allowed for “the wrong persons to be chosen for the right positions” and this, in his opinion, has led to amplified corruption and mismanagement.
“This institution (Insurance Regulatory Authority) is very important and very vital and could have generated a lot of resources for this state but because of wrong choices from us the parties who agree, we could not get the right people to do the job and we have wasted time and resources,” he bemoaned. “I have listed the institutions which are not doing anything and yet they get salaries and operations (funds). For the offices of some advisors, I have issued an order to stop the operation (funds). That is cheating your people, the state, the country and it is corruption.”
Governor Lobong also accused senior state officials of employing their incompetent relations.
“It has been brought to my notice that we are violating public service regulations. We have appointed our relatives, our friends, and in-laws in our institutions without passing through public service regulations,” he charged. “Commissioners are also doing the same. You know very well and I have been informed that in some institutions, some competent people are deserting because some people bring relatives who are not qualified and appoint them to senior positions. This is wrong and cannot work.”
“Why did not start by employing my relatives?” he asked. “Does it mean I have no relatives? It is wrong and I wrote a circular to that effect.”
Meanwhile, the newly sworn-in Insurance Regulatory Authority boss vowed to work by the law.
“I am happy to be sworn in and will ensure that revenue is collected if supported. Secondly, the benefits of insurance to the insured will be realized,” he pledged. “At the moment people are not aware of the benefits of insurance and they will only understand when there is education. I will print out handouts that will be distributed so that businesses understand the benefits of insurance.”
For her part, Eastern Equatoria State Deputy Governor Mary Alponse Lodira who is also the chairperson for SPLM-IO in the state welcomed Iligo’s appointment and advised him to serve with integrity.
“We are here to deliver services to the people and have to be straightforward and do work that benefits our people,” she counseled. “This is one of the most prestigious commissions that you can ever have. Carry the service given to you diligently and with integrity. The fear of God is also part of integrity.”