The Northern Bahr al Ghazal State’s Legislative Assembly yesterday summoned State Minister of Finance Ayii Bol Akol to explain the implementation of development projects based on the approved budget by the state’s assembly.

The Chairman of the Information Committee in the State Assembly Achak Thiep Thiep accused the minister of failing to implement any development projects as approved by the parliament.

Thiep Thiep disclosed that an auditing committee has been formed on the matter to carry out its task within two weeks.

He said the minister "has not clarified some issues relating with the budget implementation."

“This is the second time," Thiep Thiep added. "[Ayii] was summoned two years ago, and he was not ready to come and present his report and then he came today and represent.”

In a statement to the media following the sitting, Ayii blamed lack of implemenation on the political unrest in the state, as well as financial constraints.

“The collection of revenue has been very poor, and the political unrest also affected our work in the ministry,” he said, noting that the total budget of the year was 212,954,612 SSP.

Still, Ayii said that some projects were implemented such as the Aweil North-Aweil South road.

The summons may be linked to the state's recent political power struggle as the finance minister is a strong supporter of the dismissed Caretaker Governor Kuel Aguer Kuel.

MPs in Aweil assembly (file)