Lakes state governor blocks appointments made by SPLM secretary
September 20, 2013 (RUMBEK) – Lakes state’s military caretaker Governor Maj-Gen Matur Chuol Dhuol has blocked the appointment of four officials made by the acting secretary of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) saying it is illegal.
The appointments have however been blocked by Maj-Gen Matur Chuol Dhuol who described Dhuol’s action as “political suicide”.
“This [decision of the secretary] is political suicide- the decision to dismiss members elected through the state liberation council, is stopped until the return of SPLM state chairman – no move – no talk – no joke – all those secretaries [those dismissed by the secretary] must continue their services” said Dhuol.
Lakes state SPLM chairman Daniel Awet Akot is currently on an official visit to Germany.
Separately, other members of the SPLM in Lakes State have accused the secretary of acting illegally in dismissing the SPLM county secretaries and replacing them with his own appointments.
The members argued that the SPLM party constitution does not allow an acting secretary to remove any member of the party either at a state or national level from their position.
They say such a decision can only be reached through elections at the state or national level.
The SPLM officials whose appointment has been put on hold did not confirm nor deny whether they would accept the appointment.
A list of the appointed officials and those they were supposed to replace:
- Gabriel Akot Chirong, Cueibet, to replace Peter Makuac Madok
- Santino Adong Keloktuol, Rumbek North to replace Nyic Chol
- James Majur Alim, Yirol East, to replace Mangar Maker Bai
- Matuol Manyiel Chindut, Rumbek Central County, to replace Abraham Mayen Kuc
(ST)