The Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) on Monday barred journalists, parliamentary attendants, and members of the public from attending the session, saying it is only for the legislators.
According to the House’s agenda of the day, twelve ministers in the economic cluster were summoned to shed light on the floundering economy and widespread hunger across the country.
Those summoned include the ministers of finance and economic planning, petroleum, mining, and agriculture and food security, inter alia.
However, speaking to journalists in office on Monday morning, Oliver Mori Benjamin, the parliamentary spokesperson, said the siting is restricted to only lawmakers and that it would be held in camera.
“The Conduct of Business Regulations even say there is a sitting in camera. So, when there is sitting in camera, that means it is only the Members of parliament,” he explained. “No spectators, no journalists, this is special. So, when you go back to your newspapers, tell them that I have not brought the news today because the sitting today in parliament is in camera.”
Parliament recently gave a green light for members of the public to attend its sittings. When asked by journalists about the sudden change of events, Mori insisted that it is constitutionally allowed for the August House to have closed-door sessions. He said the journalists shall be briefed on the outcome of the interaction between the ministers and legislators.
However, Ter Manyang, the Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), a civil society organization, said he did not see any reason why journalists were not allowed to cover Monday’s session since it is about the economy.
“First of all, if it is about the public, I do not see why they (parliament) do not allow journalists to give information to the people because everybody knows about the economic crisis,” he stated, adding that any discussion about the economy should be made known to the public. “If it is about the economy, I think there is no problem unless they have another agenda.”
The activist however contends that periodically summoning ministers no longer presents a solution to the crises in the country.
“Everybody is aware of the economic crisis in the country. There is no reason why they should not allow you guys (Journalists) in,” Manyang said. “But again, this is not the first time that they have summoned ministers, including that of finance.”
According to the activist, the top leadership of the country, including President Salva Kiir, should address the nation’s economic malaise because there are people who feel untouchable who are destroying it.