By Lodu William Odiya
Juba County Caretaker Commissioner Kalisto Lado Foustino Nyigilo has urged citizens to stop begging government officials for basic services, saying taxpayers have the right to demand accountability and development from their leaders.
Speaking about the relationship between citizens and public officials, Lado said government leaders should serve the people because public resources, including salaries, official vehicles, and government buildings, come from taxpayers’ money.
“I don’t want people to feel like they are begging the leadership to give them services. You want to make them feel this is your money. Don’t beg the commissioner, the governor, the president, or any minister to give you water,” he said.
Lado emphasised that citizens should confidently demand essential services such as clean water, schools, hospitals, roads, and electricity instead of pleading with those entrusted with public responsibilities.
He argued that public officials are accountable to the people and should understand that their positions are meant to serve citizens rather than place them in a position of dependency.
“The cars we are driving, these good cars we are driving, are bought with your money. The good houses we sleep in are built using your own resources. The salaries and incentives that constitutional officeholders receive come from taxpayers’ money,” Lado said.
He further challenged citizens to question leaders who fail to deliver on their responsibilities, insisting that public officeholders should face consequences for poor performance.
“If I don’t build a school, if I don’t build a hospital, construct a road, provide electricity or water, or bring development, you should send me out of this office,” he said.
Lado added that citizens should not fear demanding explanations from government officials, stressing that public resources belong to the people and must be used to improve their living conditions.
“I’m not happy to see our own South Sudanese begging their own leaders. Please, may you give us. Never. It is us to beg you,” he said.
His remarks underscored the importance of public participation in governance and the need for citizens to monitor government performance, question the use of public funds, and demand improved service delivery.
As South Sudan prepares for its planned December 2026 elections, calls for accountability and better public services remain central to discussions about leadership and citizens’ expectations.