By Manyang Mayom
October 30, 2007 (RUMBEK) — The Lakes State Interim Legislative Assembly Speaker Isaiah Alier Machinkok told Sudan Tribune that the president of southern Sudan government, Salva Kiir Mayardit, has suspended the impeachment of state minister of finance.
Lakes State Interim Legislative Assembly impeached by unanimous votes the state minister for Finance, Trade and Industry Philip Marol Mading on August 21, 2007.
The Lakes state parliament, following the recommendations of investigation committee on the activities of the finance minister, said he shifted the budget line items without the authorization of the assembly. Aslo, the legislators enumerated some violations related to the misuse of public funds.
Isaiah Alier said that Lakes State Legislative Assembly has high respect to President Kiir by allowing Philip Marol to be active in his office of Finance as well Marol as done everything in Finance become trouble in Lakes.
The minister will still work while Assembly is waiting for president Kiir to form auditing committee to audit Philip Marol, as well other directive measure will be taken against him later if his is finally proved guilty “Alier explain”.
Alier underscored to Sudan Tribune "We have indeed respect the Fist Vice-President and President of GOSS decision although thing are still going on wrong in Lakes, the Assembly of Lakes will still monitoring the move of all executives without objection."
The impeachment of state finance minister empoisoned relations between the executive and legislative powers in the Lakes. Actually, the government resisted the decision of the parliament and governor, Daniel Awet Akot, maintained the minister.
At that time, the state government considered that the parliament had no authority to relieve a minister who is named by the president of southern Sudan government. So, the state parliament resolution is submitted to the president Salva Kiir Mayadrit for consideration.
(ST)