By Manas James Okony
A delegation of 10 senior state government officials that was detained since 6th May, by angry youths in Jonglei State over unpaid wages has been set free, officials confirmed.
Consisting of state ministers, an advisor and members of the state parliament, the delegation was led by Jonglei state minister of roads, Hon. James Mawich Makuach.
The officials were on a mission to Duk County’s Gadiang area where they were held by angry youth demanding payment for providing services along a road, during construction project.
Elizabeth Nyadak, Minister of Information and Communication in Jonglei State revealed that the detained officials were set free on Monday after resolving the grievances of the disgruntled youth.
“The government officials came back yesterday. They are already in Bor,” Nyadak told No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper, a day after release of the delegation from custody.
She explained that the youths were demanding some money from African Resource Corporation (ARC) which has been paid to freedom for the government officials.
“There wasn’t any condition. These youths were only demanding money, their money is already paid,” Minister Nyadak added.
The state government spokesperson said her colleagues arrived Bor safely and that they were all in good health.
“They are in good health, they are all fine,” the minister stressed.
The information minister exonerated the delegation from the unpaid benefits of the youth but holds the construction company responsible.
“What I can say is that it is not their fault to be detained because that is the work of the company; that work is not for the government as we all know” she remarked.
Meanwhile, the commissioner of Duk County, Peter Latjor Chuol who also confirmed release of the detained officials, disclosed that a delegation from Juba came to clear 3 months arrears of the youth.