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By Bida Elly David
The former national Minister of Finance and Planning has revealed that his office incurred several failures due to challenges that accumulated beyond his control despite number of achievements he had undertaken in regards to fiscal and financial management.
This came following a Presidential decree issued last week for his removal from the financial seat without clear justification yet to be traced.
Last Thursday, President Salva Kiir issued a Presidential decree axing off the two financial heads who have been running the country’s monetary and fiscal policies with number of grumbles and failures that had contributed to continuous market inelasticity and fluctuation of South Sudanese pounds against the foreign currency.
Over the weekend, an economic analyst revealed that the removal of the duo by the President was an intervention to mitigate the recessing economy that had passively impacted commodity and money market.
In a statement seen by No.1.Citizen Daily Newspaper, issued by Agak Acuil the former national Minister of Finance and Planning upon his dismissal from the Ministry said despite the challenges he faced during his term, he was able to reduce salary arrears for public servants who remained resilient regardless of low wages through directives from the head of State.
He underscored that he was able to reduce salary arrears for national staff and foreign missions’ staff with their remuneration position pending for the duration of two and half years.
“Eight months ago, you entrusted me with an extra ordinary opportunity to serve the people of South Sudan in the finance docket. I am writing to express my sincerest appreciation for having given me the chance to serve our country under your leadership and guidance. Through your unwavering support, we made some achievements amid profound challenges expounded by limitations beyond my control. I made it a priority as directed by you to reduce salary arrears for our public servants who have persistently remained resilient despite low and delayed wages,” Agak stated in a statement.
“Staff in the foreign missions whose salaries had not been paid for over two and half years had their arrears reduced by up to seven Months while those of National and State Governments, had their arrears cleared up to the end of FY 2021/2022,” the statement added.
He reiterated that despite his removal, the country’s economy still battles continuous economic constraints and appreciated the President and his colleagues who aided him towards meeting some of the achievements.
“I know South Sudan’s economy still faces enormous challenges yet I must take this opportunity to appreciate my colleagues and all those that helped us realize the achievements we made. I am confident that the new Minister, Dier Tong Ngor to whom I now pass the baton, will steer our country’s economy towards a more sustainable future. Please receive your Excellency, the renewed assurance of my highest regards and consideration,” he underscored.