State minister Awut defends right to live in government residence
By Aguok Chok
The recently appointed Minister for Parliamentary Affairs in Warrap State, Deborah Awut Mayom has dismissed the allegations that she had refused to hand over the government vehicle and residence to her successor, Solomon Bol Mabior, the new Education Minister.
Ms. Awut was recently relieved from her position as the minister of education and appointed the minister of parliamentary affairs.
However, after her transfer, report surfaced that she had refused to hand over the public assets meant for the ministry of education.
In an inclusive interview with The City Review, Awut asserted that she had already returned the ministry vehicle, but said she cannot vacate the official residence.
“I have already handed over the vehicle to them,” she said.
“But the residence, both of us are ministers in the same government. I don’t see why we should swap residences. He has his own residence, and I have mine.”
Awut continued that she and Mabior were both appointed ministers in May 2024 and that he should have his own residence rather than moving into the one she currently occupies.
“He was a minister in the state, where was he living before? He should have his own residence,” she added.
Also, the staff of the Ministry of General Education and Instructions have added the voice calling of the Awut to leave the residence.
Despite the matter being less of their concerns, the staff members argued that the incoming minister needs the property to carry out his duties effectively.
“The residence and vehicle are essential for the new minister to function properly,” said one staff member.
Also, Awut dismissed rumours that she claimed she would be reinstated as the Minister of General Education. “I never said I would be reappointed,” she clarified. “Those are just propaganda.” Despite this, she reiterated that the matter of the residence should not be a point of contention, suggesting that both ministers should remain in their respective residences.
