The Unity State Legislative Assembly has summoned the State Minister for Finance and Planning, John Gatluak Doar, to provide an account of oil revenues and local taxes.
Lawmakers are demanding a detailed explanation regarding the allocation of five percent oil shares, local revenues, and personal income taxes intended for communities in the oil-producing state.
Stephen Mawicyor Kai, Chairperson of the Information Committee, told Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday that the minister is expected to appear before the assembly on Friday.
“On Friday, 7 March 2025, the leadership of the Unity State Transitional Legislative Assembly convened its seventh ordinary meeting to discuss the economic and financial status in Bentiu,” Mr Kai said.
He added that the assembly resolved to summon Mr Doar in accordance with Part Five, Chapter 1, Article 78 (Sub-articles 1 and 2) of the Unity State Transitional Constitution, 2011, as amended, and Chapter 11, Section 55 (Sub-section 1) of the Transitional Legislative Assembly Conduct of Business Regulations, 2013, as amended in 2022.
The minister has been asked to explain how the state budget is appropriated and presented to parliament, the status of the three percent oil share for community development, local revenue collection, the two percent oil share for Unity State, and the status of personal income tax, land rental, and landing fees in Bentiu.
A member of Unity State’s civil society, Dr Riak Koang, emphasized the importance of transparency in how funds are allocated.
“The civil society needs to know where the money has been allocated because our people have not been receiving the three percent oil share for development, education, health, clean water, and other essential services,” he said.
Dr Koang added that the state’s development has been hindered by inadequate management of the three percent oil share in Mayom, Rubkona, Guit, Koch, Mayendit, Leer, and Panyijiar counties.
Mr Doar could not be reached for comment despite repeated phone calls.