Civil society activists in Maridi State have welcomed a ministerial order by the state ministry of local government banning gambling and smoking of opium in the state.
Chima Jackson, the chairperson of Maridi Civil Society Forum said the order will help reduce the rate of criminal activities and will ensure peace prevails in the state.
He further called on the state government to implement the order in earnest faulting the government of passing many local orders that are not implemented.
Maridi state government recently issued a ministerial order banning the sale and smoking of opium in the state.
The ministerial order cited that any citizen found selling or smoking opium will be treated as a criminal according to the South Sudan Penal Code Act 2008 under section 383 and 384 that prohibits unlawful dealing and possession of dangerous drugs.
Anyone found in contravention of the law, will receive a 5-years jail term, the order stated.