S. Sudan justice minister summoned over Lakes state governor

June 20, 2013 (RUMBEK) – South Sudan Council of States members have summoned the country’s Justice Minister, John Luk Jok to respond to a petition filed against continued stay in office by Lakes state caretaker governor.

The summons, Sudan Tribune has learned, followed complaints that governor Matur Chut Dhuol’s was “illegally” occupying office after the expiry of his term three months ago.

Dhuol, a caretaker governor, was appointed by South Sudan president in January this year, following the sacking of elected governor, Chol Tong Mayay due to rising insecurity in the state.

According to the country’s transitional constitution, an election for a replacement of a governor is to be held within sixty (60) days from the time a caretaker is appointed into office.

No election has, however, been held since the caretaker governor’s term in office expired on 21 March, despite public

The Council, on Thursday, summoned the Justice Minister to give a constitutional interpretation of the Lake state political situation, after several people petitioned the upper house assembly.

But, a legislator, who represented the Justice Minister, requested the latter be given more time to prepare a testimonial on issues surrounding the governor’s stay in office.

James Magok Ater, a lawmaker in the Council of States, said the hearing, at the request of the minister, was adjourned till Tuesday next week.

“Minister John Luk has requested to be given time frame to prepare himself with what he would tell lawmakers – he will appear before lawmakers on Tuesday 25 June and we will hear what allows Dhuol to exercise [his] constitutional powers”, Ater told Sudan Tribune Thursday.

Since his appointment, Dhuol has been accused of, among others, introducing tough measures in the state, including arbitrary arrests, unlawful detention of youth in military prisons, and threatening to close down the state assembly.

(ST)