Northern Bahr el Ghazal governor appoints three commissioners
March 13, 2012 (JUBA) – Northern Bahr el Ghazal’s governor, Paul Malong Awan Anei, on Tuesday issued a gubernatorial order appointing three county commissioners.
Malong relieved the commissioners of their posts in February, a week after relieving his political advisor, Jal Malith Jal.
Other officials, including Peter Kuot Jel, minister of physical infrastructure and state security advisor Yel Deng Nguel, were also dismissed without replacements being announced.
The commissioners were Kawac Deng Kawac, from Aweil East; Diera Madut Chan from Aweil Central; and Isaac Lual Chol, from Aweil West.
It is unclear why the governor dismissed five senior officials; none of the officials have spoken to the media since they were removed.
However, Awan’s close aides argue it is the “prerogative” of the state governor to relieve and appoint with or without consultation with the local communities.
In South Sudan county commissioners are not elected but appointed by the state governor, who also has the power to remove them. State levels ministers and advisors are normally MPs who represent constituencies in the state parliament. They are also appointed by the governor.
Malong appointed Awet Kiir Awet , commissioner of Aweil East county, replacing Kawac Deng Kawac, Santo Garang Tong, commissioner of Aweil West, replacing Isaac Lual Chol and Arkengelo Ucu Dechak, commissioner of Aweil Center replacing Diera Madut Chan.
(ST)