Map of Upper Nile State. (Courtesy).

The High Court in Juba has cancelled the parallel committee formed by Renk County commissioner to manage the 3% oil revenue as opposed to a committee set up by the community.

Renk County Development Committee was since established by the community to manage the oil share and implement development projects.

However, Renk Commissioner Kak Padiet Kak dissolved the committee on May 23, 2023, after for allegedly stealing over 47 million US dollars from the 3 percent crude oil sale proceeds allocated to the county.

He unilaterally formed another government-affiliated body comprising seven members.

The decision prompted the melted committee to sue the commissioner and Upper Nile governor James Odhok Budhok in court.

In a verdict, Juba High Court ordered the commissioner to reinstate back the previous members under the supervision of Renk County at least before 25 June 2024, which already passed.

The court verdict stated that his administrative order to form a new committee was contrary to the Petroleum Act 2013.

It also said that commissioner Padiet decided to select the seven members of the committee without consulting with the community.

The verdict further implicates the state governor for backing the decision, accusing them of acting contrary to the social contract between state government and county.

The court fines the Renk County commissioner to pay the administrative fees and 10% to the lawyers.

In his response, commissioner Kak Padiet Kak voiced defiance to the court ruling, claiming that he is the one responsible for administrative affairs in the county, and not the judges of the Juba high court.

“I am the one to appoint and to finish all these stories. This 3%, I am the one who responsible for it constitutionally, they don’t have anything,” he told Eye Radio.

“There are no judges responsible for this community property. I am the one who is in charge for this community of Renk County.”

When contacted, the Minister of Information in Upper Nile State Luk Saadallah downplayed the situation and while denying government involvement.