South Sudan chief justice warns public against abuse of powers

November 2, 2014 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s chief justice has decried the attitude of people using positions of power to terrorise others, warning of tough measures against those trampling on peoples’ rights.

South Sudan’s chief justice, Chan Reec Madut (AP)

Speaking at a consultative meeting in the capital, Juba, on Friday, justice Chan Reec Madut condemned what he described as double standards by unnamed officials who often criticise sitting governments once they are removed.

“If somebody is doing something that is bad and is affecting you and the country, stop him and if you cannot stop him, report him to somebody who can stop him. If you are a good citizen, when somebody is appointed in any position and is doing something bad, your obligation as a human being and a servant of God is to stop the person from doing what is bad. Advise him and if he or she refuses, report him to somebody who can stop him,” said Madut.

“What is the use of telling others after the persons has dismissed for the bad things he was doing? Are you being a good citizen?” he added.

The chief justice, while meeting governors from the country’s 10 states as well as the chief administrator of the Greater Pibor, called for observance of law and justice rules.

Also addressed at the meeting, Madut said, was the issue of overcrowded prisons which he said could easily be handled through proper political understanding or with the involvement of the traditional approach and other approaches.

He expressed displeasure at the attitude of some people who condone malpractices in government and only criticise officials after they have been removed from government.

“There is one thing that I don’t like about South Sudanese and I have to say it today. When somebody is appointed and starts doing bad things, nobody would come and say anything, but as soon as the person is kicked-out, then they start saying we knew this was going to happen. That is hypocrisy,” said Madut

(ST)