By Hou Akot Hou
Warrap State Governor, Francis Marial Abur has pledged to expedite the resolution of numerous criminal cases, including capital offenses that have accumulated in the state’s judicial system.
During an interview on Miraya FM, Governor Abur expressed concern over the backlog of cases, particularly in Tonj Prison, where over 500 cases are awaiting trial.
He attributed this issue to a shortage of judges, particularly in rural counties like Twic, Gogrial West, Gogrial East, and Tonj, promising to bring additional judges to address the issue.
“I visited Tonj prison and found out that over 500 cases are awaiting trial in prison as I am going back I will ensure that the Ministry of Justice provides me with additional judges to be posted in counties such as Twic County, Gogrial West, East and Tonj counties as I have only one judge who can’t manage to make verdicts,” said Abur.
“Almost 350 include simple and murder cases, and I got one judge of the high court and the other two judges can’t try murder cases and I have asked the chief justice to provide me with two judges for two or three judges for Tonj East, Gogrial counties including Twich and I hope if these judges get posted to Warrap then it would necessitate trials,” he continued.
Abur acknowledged that youth from neighbouring states such as Lakes and Unity with his own state who do get engaged in raiding cattle, adding that they would do a joint operation by having a joint police to deter such criminals from carrying on their nasty business.
As leaders, Abur said, they would provide organized forces from three states, Lakes, Unity and Warrap to do joint operations to act against the raiders.
In another development, Abur said he had asked the authorities in roadblocks to remove fake roadblocks but only checkpoints will be left untouched, more especially in Twic adding that he would be moving in the counties specifically in Tonj East and south counties as his previous visit had brought calm to the communities.
“I talked about the importance of peace and security as top priorities. As I visited last time in Tonj counties calm and tranquillity was seen so I would be visiting on a regular basis to preach for peace,” said Abur.
The governor said he would not tolerate rogue tax collectors operating without proper authorization. He has ordered the removal of illegal roadblocks on major routes like Twic to Abyei, ensuring only legitimate checkpoints manned by authorized personnel remain.