The Transitional Legislative Assembly in Lakes State, during its ordinary session in Rumbek last Wednesday, summoned the Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agency, Chol Kuotwel Manhom, over allegations of hut-tax misappropriation and rampant insecurity across the state.
The speaker of the state assembly, Madam Agum Jacob Chagai, told Radio Tamazuj that the assembly decided to summon the minister to address these issues.
“The session was significant as members of the Lakes State assembly decided to summon the minister of local government and law enforcement agency, Chol Kuotwel Manhom, to appear before the assembly and answer specific questions,” she said.
She emphasized that the decision to summon the minister was made unanimously by the members of the state legislative assembly to ensure accountability and address concerns raised by state MPs.
“The questions to be answered before the State Assembly include: how many people in the community have paid the hut-tax, how much has been collected by the chiefs, how many people have not paid the hut-tax, and the reasons why some have not paid,” she said.
She stated that the members of the Lakes State Assembly have agreed to prepare these questions for the Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agency, Chol Kuotwel Manhom, who will respond on Monday, 27 May. The minister is expected to provide thorough answers.
“If the minister is not prepared, he must inform us in advance. If he is ready, he should also let us know so that assembly members can make themselves available,” she said. “These measures ensure transparency and accountability, which we have agreed upon. We seek the truth, and if there are reasons for dishonesty, the assembly has the oversight function to intervene and summon individuals.”
When contacted, Chol Kuotwel Manhom confirmed receiving the summons from the State Assembly regarding hut-tax revenue collections and the rampant insecurity involving clashes between the SSPDF and civilian armed youth from the Pakam community in Malek Payam, as well as other incidents in Abuut Cattle and Cuei-gak Payam.
These incidents followed the killing of two people in a revenge attack last month between the Gony, Dhiei, and Thuyic sections, leading to the arrest of 40 relatives, while none of the perpetrators have been apprehended.
“Yes, I have heard about the summons from the state assembly, but I am still waiting to receive the letter,” he said. “I will be ready to respond once I receive the letter of summons from the state assembly today.”