Breaking: South Sudan’s information minister fires SSBC director

[Elisabeth Janaina]

Breaking: South Sudan’s information minister fires SSBC director
File photo: Information minister Michael Makuei
File photo: Information minister Michael Makuei

South Sudan authorities have sacked the director of South Sudan
Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) today, barely six days after being
released by security officials.

Adil Faris Mayat was arrested by security officials on 10 July for
failing to carry a live broadcast of President Kiir's speech during
independence day celebrations on July 9.

“Since your provisional appointment, it is observed that your short
service at the TV is tainted with very serious financial and
administrative irregularities and conducts that are not compatible
with a civil servant,” party reads a termination letter signed by
Information Minister Michael Makuei.

According to the letter obtained by Radio Tamazuj from the information
ministry, Adil made mistakes intentionally during the visit of
President Kiir to Yei and during the launching of the construction of
Freedom Bridge at Lologo area in the capital Juba.

“Your admission and acceptance of responsibility for failing live
coverage of the address of the president to the national on 6th
anniversary of our independence, which was a clear case of sabotage,”
adds the letter.

“Since you are still on a provisional appointment, this is to inform
you that my letter of your provisional appointment is hereby cancelled
and your service terminated with effect from today 25/7/2017,” the
termination letter said.

However, Minister Makuei appreciated Adil for his tangible
contributions and tireless efforts for the improvement of the
state-owned television.

Meanwhile, Adil Faris Mayat thanked the government including the
information minister Michael Makuei for giving him a chance to serve
the people of South Sudan as director of state-owned television.

“By the grace of God, I have been removed from my position after a
journey full of service. Thank you government of my country for the
trust in me,” Adil said in a Facebook post which attracted a lot of
comments from South Sudanese youth.

Adil was appointed as director of SSBC in 2016. He had worked for
various media houses as a journalist in Sudan before South Sudan
independence in 2011.