The Eastern Equatoria State Secretariat of the Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) Party on Thursday dismissed corruption allegations levied by the opposition party, SPLM-IO, against Governor Louis Lobong, describing it as a misleading accusation.
According to the SPLM Party, the leader of the SPLM-IO in the state, Deputy Governor Mary Alphonse Lodira, has proven to be “politically and administratively blind on what is expected of her.”
The dismissal was made during a reply to the resolutions of SPLM-IO Eastern Equatoria State Liberation Council and a press statement accusing Governor Lobong of delaying the reopening of the state parliament, alleging that it was a chance for him to loot state resources without accountability.
The SPLM Party however did not explain the usage of a USD 1.5 million loan and how 16 vehicles were distributed among state government officials.
On 18 July, the SPLM-IO accused Governor Lobong of unfair distribution of vehicles and state resources and lack of accountability for a USD 1.5 million loan from South Sudan’s Central Bank for the repair and release of 16 vehicles.
Siro Silvio Ewak, the SPLM Party spokesperson in Eastern Equatoria State, in a press statement, said the party is depressed and maddened by accusations against their chairman. He said the baseless accusation by SPLM-IO state leadership is meant to frustrate and misinform the general public.
“Sudan People Liberation Movement Eastern Equatoria State Secretariat is dismayed and irritated by the barbaric accusations imposed on the state governor by SPLM-IO leadership. On Thursday 18 July 2024 accused Governor Louis Lobong Lojore of delaying the opening of the state Parliament which they claimed was to frustrate the opposition and give himself time to loot without accountability,” the statement read in part. “In this regard, the state legislature has been undergoing renovation for over a year now by ARK of Humanity funded by UNMISS and the fact is known by the honorable members of August House. So, this is a politically ill-intended accusation and has no salt and spices to qualify itself.”
Ewak added that the use of the USD 1.5 million loan and distribution of State resources and revenues is a prerogative of all parties in government and not only SPLM.
“Although the minister in charge of the distribution of government vehicles is from SPLM-IO, the deputy governor still accused the governor of unequal distribution of vehicles and other resources and unproven use of a USD 1.5 million loan from South Sudan Central Bank for the repair and release of the 16 land cruiser vehicles,” the statement said. “Other allegations raised by SPLM-IO State leaderships are issues of power-sharing in municipalities and collection and remittance of revenues and the alleged unclear management of Personal Income Tax (PIT). All these should be raised and addressed in the Council of Ministers meeting if any, rather than recklessly accusing the system you are part of in the media. These baseless accusations are naked flatters meant to misinform and frustrate the public.”
“The deputy governor has forgotten that she is part of the government and liable to account to the people of the state on any single expenditure the state government makes,” the statement added.
Ewak further urged the SPLM-IO to distance themselves from SPLM Party affairs, saying they are committed to the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.
“Comrade Louis Lobong Lojore is a leader known for his good leadership strengths. He is a tolerant and approachable leader who is ready to listen and the SPLM-IO must distance itself from SPLM affairs,” he stated. “However, the SPLM Party is committed to implementing the revitalized peace agreement in letter and spirit and stands for total peace in South Sudan.”