Gov’t officials stealing funds meant for education, says Lakes State governor

JUBA – The governor of South Sudan’s Lakes State, Gen. Rin Tueny Mabor, has accused state government officials of stealing public funds meant for education and said that pre-independence schools are better than the current ones.

“Now we are a country with all the institutions and with all the money, and we are failing to establish our education. This is not good. Is it because there is no money?” he asked, according to the independent Radio Tamazuj.

“There is money, but we as the officials of the government are eating public money. We are stealing public money! The question is why do we kill our country?”

Rin said that the security situation in Lakes State has improved since his appointment and said he has set up agricultural projects to address the food insecurity in the state.

“We have worked collectively to maintain and stabilize the security situation in the state, which turned the impossible to be possible. Lakes State is secured, stable and peaceful. We have also implemented agriculture for all for food which is another government policy in Lakes State here such that we are food secure,” he said.

“The peace is sustainable because it is owned by the people, but now what next?” My question is answered today by the Ministry of General Education because what next is development, and development starts with education.

Governor Tueny said there is no quality education in Lakes State and challenged education officials to up their game.

“For me and you here, the answer is no, there is no quality education and no good system of education in Lakes State,” he charged. “Getting your team to come down here is a very good approach, and I am happy because you will get ideas from these teachers who are suffering due to poor pay.”

‘PRACTICAL ACTIONS’ NEEDED

In a statement, the Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) Edmund Yakani welcomed the remarks by the governor, but said there is need for practical action against corrupt government officials.

“CEPO appreciates the Governor of Lakes State for being public on matters of corruption. But practical actions for holding the corrupt officials accountable are needed,” Yakani said in the statement extended to Sudans Post.

Yakani stressed that “it is time for leaders to act beyond issuing statements on matters of corruption. Political leaders should step in to hold corrupt government officials.

The outspoken activist went on to call on other state governors to go public on corruption, adding that CEPO “will be releasing it report on status of corruption at states and administrative areas on 9 December 2022.”