CEPO Calls for Accountability on Governors’ Prolonged Stays in Juba

The Center for Peace and Development Studies (CEPO) has expressed deep concern over the frequent and prolonged visits of some state governors and chief administrators to Juba, the capital, at the expense of their responsibilities in their respective states. According to CEPO’s Executive Director, Mr. Edmund Yakani, this trend not only incurs significant costs but also adversely affects the efficiency of governance at the state level.

Mr. Yakani emphasized the necessity for the national government to monitor and regulate the duration of governors’ stays in Juba, as some exceed the time spent in their states. The financial burden associated with these extended stays surpasses the budget allocated for their office operations, raising questions about fiscal responsibility.

Furthermore, CEPO highlights the direct negative impact of governors’ prolonged absence from their states on essential services such as security, peacekeeping, and social welfare. The organization urges both the national government and the Council of States to take decisive actions to hold accountable those governors and chief administrators who prioritize prolonged stays in Juba over their duties in the states. Effective governance and service delivery hinge on the responsible allocation of time and resources, especially in post-conflict regions like South Sudan.