The Governor of Lol State, Rizik Zachariah, has downplayed criticisms that he appointed ministers with records of corruption in his state cabinet.

A civil society activist approached Mr Rizik this week at the Aweil airstrip and assaulted him for naming 4 officials who were by the time accompanying the governor.

Mr Rizik denied the claim, saying that he has the full knowledge of his cabinet ministers.

“We were approaching the aircraft when someone at the door called Robert Majok, whom we have a good relationship, confronted me, asking why I appointed ‘these criminals and thieves’,” he explained to Eye Radio.

“I responded to him, saying ‘it is not your duty’.”

The incident was reported in the media as an assault on the governor over an alleged corruption among his new ministers. But Mr Rizik said the incident is being used as propaganda.