N. Bahr el Ghazal youth oppose assembly opening
March 21, 2015 (JUBA) – Youth leaders from South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal state have opposed the opening of the state parliament, until president Salva Kiir decides on the controversial impeachment of caretaker governor, Kuel Aguer Kuel.
“The deputy governor can open it only if he has been authorised by the governor in writing. As far as I know, he has not been authorised by the governor; therefore he has no authority to open the parliament. If he does that then it means he is acting outside the constitution and it will mean imposition of himself as caretaker governor without presidential authority, which is unacceptable,” said Dut.
“And I think nobody, including the president will not entertain that,” he added.
The youth leader further claimed lawmakers were no longer working in the interests of the people and that the assembly be dissolved.
“As youth leaders, we feel that this parliament does not any longer represent the interest of our people and therefore think it would be wise for the president to close it down because those who are claiming to be members of parliament are causing problems which if not given immediate and utmost attention can be become a national security threat”, Dut explained.
Benson Opuothmalo, the government chip whip in the assembly also agreed with the youth leader, stressing there was no need for re-opening the legislative body before the president make a decision.
“It is true the deputy governor, according to the state constitution, can open the parliament with approval by the state governor. But as I talk to you at this moment and as far as I know, I am not aware of any authorisation made by the caretaker governor asking the deputy governor to open the parliament on his behalf,” he said.
According to the lawmaker, there was no need hurry the opening of the assembly while the report of the committee is still in the office of the president awaiting his decision.
“Why not wait for the outcome [of the president’s decision]?”, he questioned.
The government chief whip urged the youth and civil population to remain calm and peaceful as they wait for decision of the president on the report of the national committee on political differences between some elements in the house and state executive.
(ST)