The
ex-spokesperson of the national parliament has justified his recent endorsement
of corruption following a request from a civil society activist to retract his
statement.
On Wednesday,
Luate Joel Satimon, a civil society activist and CEO of Integrity South Sudan,
stated that the lack of transparency and accountability has resulted in
extensive corruption, leading Transparency International to designate South
Sudan as the most corrupt country in the world.
Reacting to
the activist’s concern, MP John Agany told the Eye Radio website that:
“We proposed
strengthening the Anti-Corruption Commission to combat major corruption cases.
The legislation was passed, but unfortunately, it has not been implemented yet.
You might wonder why it's been delayed. It's because enforcing it could lead to
rebellion until the next government is elected to hold these individuals
accountable.”
"Corruption
is a human flaw; without legal constraints, anyone can succumb to it. While we
have sufficient laws, the current government's primary duty, as we all know, is
to establish peace, not to pursue accountability.”
Agany's
comment disappointed the public because they expected him to fight corruption
as a member of the national parliament.
Activist
Edmund Yakani expressed his disappointment with Agany’s statement.
“I felt so
disturbed when I came across the media article published on Eye Radio quoting
our honorable former spokesperson of the parliament, Hon. John Agany, saying
‘any action that amounts to anticorruption could fuel revolution,'” said
Yakani.
"With
high respect and honor, I appeal to him to withdraw that statement because this
statement is telling us that our legislation for fighting corruption, which was
passed by the parliament, is meaningless, useless, and of no importance because
this legislation empowers us as South Sudanese in our various capacities to
fight any action that mounts to corruption.”
In response
to Yakani’s demands, Agany defended his remarks, pointing out that he was
looking at achieving peace first because corruption has a long history.
“From 2005
up to this time, there has never been a single person sent to prison because of
a corruption case. What is preventing people from bringing people to court when
they are corrupt? So, I was comparing that at this moment that we are in dire
need of peace, let us give peace a chance, and meanwhile, the R-TGoNU
government can continue to fight against corruption,” Agany said. “Let us work
to achieve peace while we prepare to combat corruption. These are the two
things we have to do at a time.”
The
lawmaker, who is under criticism for pro-corruption remarks, said he was doing
his work as a member of parliament mandated to voice out what concerns his
community.
“If I don’t
withdraw my statement, what will Yakani do?” Asks the lawmaker, who represents
Aweil East County at the august house.
“He has no
authority to prevent me from saying what I want to say. Let Yakani be reminded
that we can do without civil society.
“He should
not interfere with members of parliament who are doing their national duties. I
advise him to stop doing all those things; otherwise, we will use the law
against him.”
The
controversy continues as Agany stands firm on his remarks and refuses to
succumb to the demands for withdrawal.
“I was
looking at the constitution, and I did not find anywhere that a member of
parliament can succumb to what is said by the civil society activist. I never
got that,” Agany stated.
The South
Sudan Parliament passed the Southern Sudan Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2009
(Amendment) Bill 2023, and was assented to by the president in December 2023,
granting the commission powers to investigate and prosecute individuals
involved in corruption.
