Governor Louis Lobong Lojore (Courtesy of Office of the Governor EES)

Eastern Equatoria State Governor Lobong has suspended three county commissioners indefinitely, citing public complaints, mismanagement of resources, and lapses in security enforcement.

The suspended officials are Benjamin Olum Pole Pole of Magwi County, Paul Lokale of Kapoeta South County, and Christopher Andrew Philipson Abilly of Torit County.

Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony about the suspension of Magwi County Commissioner Pole Pole, Governor Lobong acknowledged the commissioner’s energy but pointed to complaints from the public.

“The former commissioner was doing very well, a very active, energetic young man. But there have been a lot of complaints from the people. This complaint, we cannot verify to be true or not true,” he said.

Among the concerns were multiple taxation by institutions not authorised to collect revenue. “Business people have been taxed by different institutions… I have already told the former commissioner, and I had seen him issue the directives,  stopping that,” Lobong said.

He also warned the new commissioners against misuse of public funds: “Don’t go and stay in a hotel… clear another tree, put a tent and stay there. I don’t like the public fund to be used for a hotel, like what the previous commissioners were doing.”

Security issues were also cited. The governor urged commissioners to actively apprehend criminals in their counties.

“You need to go with the commissioner, collect the list, and implement and arrest those criminals, together with the minister of local government,” he said, referring to recent incidents in Kapoete’s house where “many people lost their properties and lives… and nobody has been arrested.”

Governor Lobong stressed that the suspensions are indefinite and clarified that caretaker commissioners would serve in the interim. “You are actually a commissioner. You are going to be the commissioner… So you go and exercise your powers fully,” he said, urging officials to fulfill their duties without delay.

The governor also warned against misleading youth with false promises and emphasized accountability during public events. “People are lured… if you don’t recommend some people, I’m going to bring anybody,” he said, underscoring the importance of active leadership at the county level.

The indefinite suspension reflects the governor’s commitment to accountability, proper service delivery, and security enforcement across Eastern Equatoria State.