First Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament Oyet Nathaniel speaks on Eye Radio's Dawn Show. July 14, 2023. | Photo: Awan Moses/Eye Radio

The First Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament has expressed concerns over the alleged presence of Jonglei State senior government officials in Juba, arguing that the recurrent violence in the region is due to leadership vacuum.

Oyet Nathaniel cited “reliable source” as saying some Jonglei leaders do not stay in their duty stations, but rather prefer to enjoy luxury in Juba or travel between Juba and Nairobi, or Washington.

Lawmaker Oyet said this practice has resulted in a lack of attention towards addressing and resolving criminal activities in the state.

He attributed the insecurity in the region to the absence of leaders in their administrative jurisdictions.

According to Hon. Oyet, by staying in their duty stations, leaders can better understand the challenges faced by their communities and take actions to address security issues.

He said there’s need for leaders to fulfill their duties in the interest of promoting security and stability in the region.

“In the general the situation in Jonglei State is the situation of state of nature, where there’s no government, you kill as you want, you loot as you want this is the situation that we have in Jonglei,” the legislator told the House.

“We also understand from creditable sources that the leaders of Jonglei don’t stay in their stations, they stay in Juba, and they move between Juba and Nairobi, Juba-Washington and so on.”

“That’s why there is this criminal privilege going on in the state and it is not being attended to. We need every public servant to be in his/her station of the appointment.”

Nathaniel’s statement followed a motion raised by another member of parliament concerning the “alarming” incidents of killings, child abductions, and cattle raiding in the areas of Jonglei and Pibor.

On Monday, Governor Denay Chagor of Jonglei and Pibor Chief Administrator Lokole Ame Bullen were summoned to response to questions concerning insecurity in their areas.