By William Madouk
Businessman Ayii Duang Ayii has firmly stood his ground in response to a summon from Parliamentary Committee on Trade regarding leaked documents and cheques valued at millions of US dollars.
On August 19, the specialized Standing Committee on Trade and Industry formally requested Ayii to appear before the House on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.
The committee intended to seek answers regarding the government institution that requested South Sudan Supreme Airline to supply subsidized food commodities and fuel products, as well as the circumstances surrounding the contract award.
Additionally, Ayii was to explain how his company arrived at the total value of USD 193,248,955.90 and provide detailed information about all related contracts.
However, Mr. Ayii disputed his summons, stating that the parliamentary committee should summon the Ministry of Finance and other relevant authorities instead.
“Does he really need to question us or the Ministry of Finance, he is supposed to ask the Ministry of Finance, an institution that owes us this money but should not summon the company,” said Ayii.
“Because the company did not sign a contract on behalf of the government of South Sudan, we struck a deal as a company with private firms to tame the volatile market,” he added.
Ayii claimed that he received a summon letter in the evening hours when he was expected to appear at August House in the morning, adding that even courts give 72 hours for a summon.
“The summon letter was brought to me at 3:30 PM and I was told to appear before the parliament at 10:00 AM the next day, and I told him I received the letter at 3 PM and there are things you want me to bring along, how do you expect me to do it, give me time,” he noted.
Businessman alleged that lawmaker, Alier insisted that he should cancel whatever meeting including court session and presidency appointment and heed to the summon.
He reiterated that the cheques in question are for his airline firm’s claims for air services, fuel and food his company delivered to the government in 2013.
Mr. Ayii explained due to the economic situation the Ministry of Finance issued a guarantee cheque as his company would be settled later.
He recalled opening a legal case against finance docket but the President informed him to backtrack on grounds that he would be settled when the situation improved.
To him, due to runaway inflation and commodities prices shoot up, they decided to join hand with private firms to procure food items, medicines, tractors, petroleum products with amount worth $193, 248,955.9.
“I don’t need money from the parliament, my money is with the ministry of finance and they did not deny it,” he asserted.
“I did not ask for the contract either with the government, on the contrary, it is the government that used my planes, fuel, and food during the hard time (2013 conflict) and the government did not say they will not settle my bill,” Ayii continued.