Kajokeji County Commissioner Muki Batali has denied abuse of office allegations. [ Gurtong/ Waakhe Simon Wudu]
By Waakhe Simon Wudu
JUBA, 18 June 2012 [Gurtong] – A letter obtained by Gurtong addressed to the office of the State Governor claimed Commissioner Muki Batali has misappropriated at least 531, 000 South Sudanese Pounds meant for different development projects in the County without involving the county legislative body and stakeholders.
The letter says the exclusion of key stakeholders in spending of public funds can allow loopholes for personal gains.
“Government contracts are being awarded by the Commissioner without considering the public procurement procedures and the funds are being spent without the approval of the legislative council”, said the councilors.
They also accused the Commissioner of deliberately paralysing the local council by not providing the necessary support to enable it function effectively, saying he does not approve moneys for facilitating sittings of the council and the sitting allowance for the councilors.
They called for immediate removal of Batali from office followed by investigations, prosecution and recovery of embezzled resources.
However, when contacted by Gurtong, the Commissioner denied the allegations saying that the councilors are out to defame his leadership.
He said all the efforts made by the legislative body are on grounds that he was not reshuffled during the announcement of the new state government where a number of County Commissioners in the state were reshuffled including that of Yei and Juba Counties.