By Lodu William Odiya
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has directed the Revitalised Transitional National Legislative Assembly (R-TNLA) to waive the immunity of two members of parliament, Kom Kom Geng and Ayii E. Akol, for forging his signature.
According to the directive read by the R-TNLA Speaker, Rt. Joseph Ngere Paciko, the action was required to facilitate their immediate apprehension for them to answer to serious charges under the law.
“These individuals forged my signature when it is clearly known that the unauthorised use of presidential symbols of authority is a serious felony under sections 357, 359, 361, and 362 of the Penal Code Act, 2008,” President Kiir’s directive partly reads.
“I am hereby directing the Transitional National Legislative Assembly to expeditiously waive the immunity of the aforementioned members. The protection of our constitutional order is a shared responsibility of the two branches of government, and I trust that the assembly will act swiftly on this matter,” the directive continued.
He said this waiver was also essential to permit the relevant law enforcement agencies to proceed with apprehension, interrogation, and subsequent prosecution before the court of law.
“Credible intelligence reports have linked Kom Kom Geng and Ayii E. Akol to the criminal fabrication and forgery of the presidential directive designed to subvert the rule of law and interfere with the ongoing judicial investigation of Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel and accused persons,” the directive added.
Furthermore, the speaker also stated that the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs underlined that the charges were forgery and other offenses, underscoring that it is a serious matter of concern which should be treated with utmost urgency.
“In light of the above and the gravity of the matter, your good offices are requested to lift their immunity in accordance with the provisions of Article 67 of the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan 2011, as amended, so that they are kept in custody and investigated accordingly,” the statement reads.