Head of Northern Bahr el Ghazal anti-corruption agency arrested

JUBA – The Chairperson of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Anti-Corruption Commission Anei Rok Akuei has this afternoon been arrested by security operatives, days after Governor Tong Akeen Ngor lifted his immunity over alleged defamation.

Speaking to Sudans Post this afternoon, Hon. Angelina Aweng Abraham, chairperson of the main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) in Northern Bahr el Ghazal said said Hon. Anei was picked up by security men at his office in Aweil town at 12:00PM.

“This is to inform you that the Chairperson of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Anti-Corruption Commission Hon. Anei Rok Akuei has been arrested this afternoon, exactly at 12:00PM, by security forces in Aweil town on orders of the Governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Tong Akeen Ngor,” Aweng said from Aweil on phone.

“I will shortly write a letter to condemn these dictatorial acts of Governor Tong Akeen. People are in implementation of the revitalized peace agreement and it is everyone’s responsibility to make sure that this peace agreement is implemented as we signed it,” she said.

Aweng who is also the deputy speaker of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Transitional Legislative Assembly said the anti-corruption boss did nothing when he asked about how state revenue are being used, saying no one has answers including the government and the state parliament.

“Hon. Anei was just asking  about the state local tax revenue and revenue from organizations. How these money are being used and also the money that is being brought from state houses being rented out,” Aweng said.

“The state parliament has no information about the money. The executive body has no information. Only the governor and the Minister of Finance knows where they take the money,” she added.

Aweng further indicated that it is the duty of the anti-corruption chief to raise concerns about the alleged corruption practices and despite the state having a lot of money, people and government officials are suffering.

“It is his (Hon. Anei) duty to speak and the money is for the people, not for the governor. The state does not have cars and the conditions are difficult for the constituents as well as the government officials and the state has a lot of money,” she said.