Lakes state governor dismisses assembly speaker
June 18, 2015 (RUMBEK) – The governor of Lakes state, Maj. Gen. Matur Chut Dhuol issued a decree dismissing the state assembly speaker, Baipath Majuec Rilpuou.
The governor, in is gubernatorial decree, cited Article 199 and Article 155 of the state transitional constitution as the basis upon which he removed the assembly speaker.
Some lawmakers, however, told Sudan Tribune the governor acted “unconstitutionally”.
The embattled speaker could not be reached for a comment over his illegal dismissal.
MPS BOYCOTT ASSEMBLY
Meanwhile, lawmakers on Friday boycotted assembly sessions in protest over the caretaker governor decision to dismiss the speaker.
A section of MPs Sudan Tribune spoke to, accused the SPLM state chairperson and the governor of interfering in parliament’s work.
But the SPLM state secretary, Mabor Ater Dhuol, defended the governor, saying the speaker’s “misconduct” justified his removal.
Joseph Makheer, a citizen, backed the MPs saying “it is their right to boycott the parliament session because imposing someone to the seat by force is unconstitutional. Let democracy prevail in Lakes [state].”
REACTIONS FROM MPS
“A speaker can never be removed by decree of a governor whatever the circumstances” said Malek Machut of Cueibet county.
He described the move as a terrible violation of the state constitution.
“The Speaker was asked to resign a few days ago, but he declined to resign because the caucus meeting gave 14 votes in favor of the speaker and 12 votes for speaker’s resignation,” said Machut.
Ayen Mayen, another Lakes state MP, said Baipath remains the legitimate speaker.
(ST)