A member of parliament has accused the Ministry of Finance of a “terrible scandal,” claiming the government is issuing cheques for an account with no money, a practice he called a crime.
The MP made the alarm during a sitting of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly.
Majak Abraham, a lawmaker representing Bor County, Jonglei State, voiced his frustration and concern, stating, “My information is on a matter of the scandal happening in the country.”
He highlighted that many lawmakers had received their July salaries, but the cheques lacked liquidity, questioning the difference between this and a cheque from an account with no funds.
Abraham broadened his concern to include the country’s “liberators,” saying it was unjust that they remain unpaid while parliamentarians receive their salaries.
“There is a big problem if we are receiving our salaries and the liberators who liberated this nation are unable to be paid,” he said.
He challenged the Ministry of Finance to clarify the government’s financial situation.
“If there is no money, let’s say we are volunteering for this nation. If there is money, let all of us be paid at once and for all.” He said.
In response, the Right Honorable Speaker, Parmena Awerial, acknowledged that the issue of unpaid salaries and lack of funds in banks has been raised “several times” in the assembly.
He supported the call for accountability, stating that the Minister of Finance, the Governor of the Bank, and the Commissioner General of the Revenue Authority should be summoned to explain the situation.
Awerial added that the parliamentary Committee of Finance must also look into the matter, as it is crucial for all institutions to be paid and for cheques to be honored.
The Speaker’s remarks confirmed the seriousness of the issue, which has now been officially recognized by the assembly’s leadership as a matter requiring urgent explanation from key government officials.