Upper Nile state governor given green light to “direct” parliament

October 3, 2013 (JUBA) – The governor of Upper Nile state, Simon Kun Puoch, said he was given the green light by the president of the republic, Salva Kiir Mayardit, to go and direct the state parliament on what to do and not to do following the recent changes in the legislative body.

The state legislative assembly last week impeached its deputy speaker, Chuol Deep, and replaced it with another member, Gattong.

The internal democratic process and decision of the parliament did not go well with the state executive, which immediately suspended the house until further notice.

Governor Puoch in a statement broadcast on the state-run SSTV said he came to Juba to brief the president Salva Kiir on the political situation in his state.

Puoch who met the president on Wednesday further explained that he was empowered by the top executive to go back to the state capital, Malakal, and “direct” the parliament on the situation.

“The parliament has to be directed”, declared Puoch, who looked excited.

There are however concerns that the role and functions of legislative organs across the country have been undermined by the executive starting at the national level in Juba when president Salva Kiir threatened to dissolve the legislative assembly if the lawmakers refuse to approve the nomination of James Wani Igga as vice-president.

Critics hinted that there seems to be a growing euphoria among the top executives, particularly the president and governors that dictating the other organs of government would secure for them absolute powers irrespective of what the constitutions stipulate.

(ST)