By Lodu William Odiya
The government has changed the long-established practice of announcing most of appointments and removals of public officials through presidential decrees broadcast on state media, the South Sudan Broadcasting Cooperation (SSBC).
In a circular issued by the presidential press unit yesterday, the circular conveyed directive from the head of state regarding the transition to a discreet way of relieving and appointing officials.
The circular also declared it illegal for any officers to leaked or published any presidential decrees on any media outlets.
“Effectively immediately, the practice of announcing the relief or appointment of officials in the aforementioned categories via South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) or any public broadcast media is hereby discontinued” the statement partly read.
“This circular conveys a formal directive from His Excellency the president, regarding the transition to a discreet, institutionalized protocol for the relief and appointment of officials whose tenure falls under the presidential prerogative in accordance with the provisions of the transitional constitution of South Sudan, 2011 (as amended) and relevant laws)” the statement partly read.
According to the circular, the objective of the directives is to enhance professional decorum, protect the dignity of the office and ensure administrative stability.
Every presidential Decree effecting a change shall be accompanied by an official letter from the Office of the president.
“These shall be served directly and exclusively to the respective Rt. Honorable speaker, National Minister or state Governor under whose jurisdiction the affected office falls” the statement partly read.
The circular underscored that access to the presidential Decrees or orders must be restricted based on “Need-to-know” principle, stating that only authorized personnel shall have access to presidential Decrees or orders.
The speaker, minister or governor is the authorized authority to formally effect the changes within their respective chamber, ministry or state.
Under no circumstances shall the office of the president serve individual officials or appointees directly.
The circular further highlighted that in the event that a relieved official failed to comply with the directive to vacate office or facilities a handover, the authorized authorities are empowered to initiate immediate legal and administrative actions to enforce the decree and achieve the mandate of the order.
“Obstruction of a presidential decree shall be treated as a grave administrative offense. The office of the president will maintain a central registry to monitor the distribution of all decrees and ensure no unauthorized digital footprints are created” the statement read.
The circular further emphasized that all recipients are strictly enjoined to maintain maximum confidentiality.
It stated that these changes must be handled with the utmost discretion as internal government matters.
Any unauthorized disclosure to the media or the public will be regarded as a serious breach of official protocol, stating a breach shall be dealt with in accordance with the relevant statutory laws.
“This directive takes effect immediately. All Rt. Honorable speakers, National Ministers, and state governors are expected to ensure strict adherence to this new administrative order” statement partly read.