Jonglei Governor Mahjoub Biel. (Photo/Office of the President/Facebook).

Jonglei State Governor Mahjoub Biel has suspended the Minister of Finance, Planning and Investment, Abraham Riek Yuek following his impeachment in August 2022.

Finance Minister Yuek appeared before the assembly two years ago to explain the long delay in the passing of state budget and payment of civil servants salaries before losing a vote of no confidence.

After the impeachment, then Acting Speaker of the state parliament immediately wrote to former state governor Denay Jock Chagor requesting action against the minister.

Instead, Chagor responded by suspending two members of the parliament in a gubernatorial decree citing his constitutional powers – in a move to shield the minister from punitive measures.

On December 16, 2024, Speaker of Jonglei parliament Hon. Amer Ateny Alier wrote to the new governor – reminding him to take action and suspend Yuek after he was impeached for alleged mismanagement and misappropriation of public funds.

Hon. Alier said the resolution of the lawmakers directed the suspension of the minister.

In July 2024, the Head of Legal Administration in Jonglei State said in a letter of legal opinion that the suspension of Minister Abraham Riek Yuek has to take place.

The state’s legal administration said the reminder of the state parliament shall be considered and the embattled official suspended from his ministerial position.

Article 99 of the state constitution 2011 as amended in 2015, outlines that the state governor in his supervision of the constitutional executive institutions, shall suspend the state minister for any charges passed against him or her.

The finance minister facing suspension is yet to commend on the matter.