Jonglei Governor Suspends Finance Minister Amid Financial Mismanagement Allegations
By Emmanuel Mandella
In a dramatic turn of political events, Jonglei State Governor Mahjoub Biel has officially suspended State Minister of Finance, Planning, and Investment, Abraham Riek Yuek, citing a loss of legitimacy due to years of alleged financial mismanagement. The suspension follows a recent parliamentary vote of no confidence and marks the culmination of a tumultuous tenure for Riek, who was previously impeached by the State Transitional Legislative Assembly in August 2022.
In a letter dated December 17, 2024, Governor Biel reinforced his decision by referencing the assembly’s impeachment resolution and legal opinions that underscored the minister’s failure to address pressing financial issues, including delayed budget approvals and outstanding salaries for civil servants. “I hereby confirm that the minister has lost the legitimacy to serve in this position,” Biel stated flatly, declaring the suspension effective immediately.
The governor’s decision was driven by increasing pressure from Jonglei’s legislative assembly, exemplified by Speaker Amer Ateny Alier, who recently reiterated the unresolved issues surrounding Riek’s earlier impeachment. Legal advisors in the state administration have supported the governor’s action, emphasizing its constitutionality under Article 99 of the state constitution, which allows governors to suspend ministers accused of misconduct.
Riek’s previous encounters with the assembly were fraught with scrutiny, leading to a unanimous vote of no confidence against him in 2022. Despite calls for action from lawmakers at that time, then-Governor Denay Jock Chagor opted to suspend two MPs instead of addressing Riek’s alleged malfeasance. “The governor’s inaction in 2022 sent a wrong signal to the public and undermined the integrity of our oversight role,” Speaker Alier criticized.
In defiance of his suspension, Riek has labeled the move as politically motivated retaliation stemming from a recent dispute over personnel decisions within his ministry, notably involving a senior official linked to Governor Biel. “This suspension has nothing to do with the 2022 impeachment. It is purely retaliatory and politically motivated. If this was about the vote of no confidence, why wait two years to act?” Riek asserted.
His rejection of the suspension highlights an ongoing power struggle within Jonglei’s political landscape, where allegations of tribal favoritism and personal vendettas frequently overshadow administrative decisions. This latest political debacle draws parallels to similar incidents in other states, including the suspension of a finance minister in Western Equatoria in 2021 over public fund mismanagement and protests surrounding a similar case in Unity State in 2023.
The succession of suspensions and accusations signifies deep-rooted challenges in achieving financial accountability at the state level, often complicated and delayed by political considerations. While Riek’s suspension is a notable development, observers are skeptical about its potential to foster real change in Jonglei’s financial practices or whether it will merely heighten political divides.
Civil society leaders are amplifying calls for a thorough and transparent investigation into Riek’s alleged misconduct to restore public trust. “Suspending a minister is not enough,” stated Peter Duot, a Bor-based civil society activist. “We need clear answers about the mismanagement of state resources and why civil servants have gone unpaid for so long.”
As the political tumult unfolds, all eyes are now on Governor Biel to determine the next steps in steering Jonglei State toward financial discipline and stability.
