By Riak Chol

Jonglei Civil Society Network (JCSN), an umbrella of civil society organizations in Jonglei state on Monday condemned the on-going public disagreements between the Jonglei State Governor Mahjoub Biel Turuk and his Deputy, Atong Kuol Manyang, regarding the Personal Income Tax (PIT).

For close to three days last week, the Governor and his Deputy were locked up in conflicting press conferences in Juba, where each sought to discredit the other regarding the personal income tax and expenditure, among other governance-related issues in Jonglei State.

Bol Deng Bol, the Chairperson of JCSN called on the two leaders to have dialogue and addressed the matter in the shortest time. 

“We are so disappointed and condemn this manner of handling of public and administrative affairs in the State, including running state activities outside the jurisdiction of the state. For instance, in the recent case where the two principals held press conferences,” said Bol.

“Amidst all this political discordance, Jonglei Civil Society Network is appealing to His Excellency the Governor and Her Excellency the Deputy Governor to cease being extremely subjective and critical of each other,” Bol added.

He further added that the taxes in the state should be used for service delivery to the citizens in the state instead of being channel to constitutional postholders.

“Using these revenues as salaries or incentives for constitutional post-holders among other Government officials – who are by the way in a government payroll, and for paying unnecessary rentals is unfair to the taxpayers and the citizens at large,” said Bol.

“Citizens pay these taxes in anticipation of social services such as equipping and maintaining health facilities, constructing and rehabilitating road networks, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation facilities,” he said.

The activist appealed to the state government to resolve their differences and instead use the money for service delivery to help the suffering citizens of Jonglei state.

“The PIT should be used to end the overwhelming cholera outbreak that has claimed lives and affected people, complete the construction of the fence of the Ministry of Health to improve safety of patients and staffs among others,” Bol said.