By William Madouk
A serious showdown is looming in the Jonglei government as top state officials presented conflicting statements on how the $190,000 in collected Personal Income Tax (PIT) was spent.
It all started when the governor of Jonglei state, Mr. Mahjoub Biel Turuk revealed to the media that the monthly PIT collection amounts to United States dollars 190,000.
He stated that the revelation was to tame wild allegations circulating on social media that his close executive, friends and relatives were collecting over $300,000 monthly for their personal use.
In his breakdown, Mr. Turuk said his office receives a total of USD 31,000 monthly and his deputy receives a total of USD 22,000 for family, renting cars and house among other operational costs.
In contrast, deputy governor of Jonglei State, Ms. Atong Kuol Manyang trashed the governor’s claim of receiving tax money.
“Frankly speaking, the two bank statements provided by the Governor to the press are incorrect,” she claimed.
“Pertaining the Deputy Governor’s two cars rent, they have not been paid for seven months, and so are other claims such as house rent and support,” Atong denied.
Ms. Atong alleged that data from a reliable source revealed that PIT is at an average of $336,898 per month.
“Comparatively, …from June 1st to December 6th of 2024, Jonglei state received 542,079 dollars, a cooperative bank account number (censored), and 1,142,397 at Eco Bank, account number (censored), totalling 1,684,494 US dollars, making an average of 336,898 dollars per month,” she noted.
“But it is also believed that the state PIT is over 450,000 per month, as are other known banks where money is being channelled to,” Atong continued.
However, Atong clarified that she and the state minister of finance are not signatories and do not have access to the state’s transactions or financial statements.
She pointed an accusing finger at her boss for withholding SSP1 billion out of SSP 2 billion transfer meant to pay the workforce for the month of October 2023.
“The Governor lacks transparency and single-handedly manages the state resources in the Bank, at the Ministry of Finance, the State Coordination Office in Juba, and in his house where millions of pounds and thousands of dollars are kept,” she alleges.
“Taking away the role of State Ministry of Finance. As he acts as a Minister, Director for Revenues, Chief Administrator, and Governor,” the deputy governor said.
She contrasted the governor’s assertion that he pays pays for six advisors, she said “in reality, the state has only five advisors, who are officially appointed by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of South Sudan.”
She alleged that the PIT accounts are being managed by people assigned by Mr. Turuk, such as Mr. Mach Yak Dau, who works with the Ministry of Higher Education, Mr. John Kim Chuol, Nyirol County Coordinator, and John Okot Matthew, a CID at the Coordination Office.
“Moreover, the Governor mentioned the amount of $60,000 for security, of which $27,000 is for 75 troops stationed at Biothagany This statement surprised those who are in charge and raised concern to whom does he give this money to?” Atong wondered.
“Division Commander, Director for National Security, Director for CID, or Police Commissioner? If there is such money, why has the state been struggling to support the security organs in fuel, food, and petrol vehicle maintenance, to combat crimes by gang crews within its territory?” she added.
She cited that the governor did not clarify why he submitted the incomplete financial report from November 1st to November 22nd to the media outlets and intentionally omitted the other six months of his tenure.
“Our Governor is always intimidating political leaders through suspension, withholding financial support, denying them mobility and accommodations,” she said.
“In regard to the state civil workforce, the Governor deprived their rights by treating them on the assumption of political allegiance,” Ms Atong alleges.
The Deputy Governor called on the national legislature, particularly the Council of States, to intervene and rescue the alarming situation in Jonglei State by exercising their oversight roles.
“Secondly, I am appealing to the Audit Chamber of South Sudan to exercise their mandate and audit the financial management in Jonglei State, starting from June to December of 2024,”
“I am requesting the Bank of South Sudan and commercial banks to avail to us any operating accounts in the name of Jonglei State,” she said.
Since the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity, Jonglei state has not presented a single budget to the state assembly, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in financial matters.
Various governors have ruled without providing a clear accounting for how state taxes are utilized.
Former state governor Denay Jock Chagor, who also came under scrutiny for his handling of state finances, disclosed during a governors’ forum that the PIT revenues are primarily allocated for security purposes, as mandated by the national government.
However, he faced accusations of creating a personal account for state tax revenues and declined to disclose the total amount collected during his four-year term in office.
This lack of transparency has further fueled suspicions among citizens regarding the management of public funds.