Yirol West commissioner denies rift with Lakes state governor over school arrests

October 20, 2013 (RUMBEK) – The commissioner of Yirol West county of Lakes State said on Sunday that Yirol Boys Primary School has reopened following its closure last month when students destroyed his office in a violent protest in September.

The students attacked the commissioners office after local a national level MP, David Deng Athorbei, who represents the area, was reported to have been blocked from speaking to them at an event at the school.

Colonel Majak Ruei Angong, the Yirol West County commissioner, said that there has been a trade miscommunication with his boss – Lakes state’s military caretaker Governor Maj-Gen Matur Chut Dhuol following pressure from Juba and the local community.

The governor attempted to distance himself from the arrests of students and teachers, after reports emerged that they had been badly treated while being detained in military cells.

Commissioner Majak said he “was surprised by unsubstantiated news reported by Sudan Tribune against my office on 9th October, 2013 by colliding me with the governor on baseless ground of having exchange bitter words, which is a total lie.”

He added that “this article being published full of political conspiracy” and incitement, but facts must be separated.

“I am indeed surprised by unjustified statement following incident between me and MP David Deng Athorbei that, I have challenge the governor for distancing himself from the matter, even though, my boss has said it, there is no way I can turn against him in public press or statement, the right way to handle our matters is through administrative procedures not over the media”.

(ST)

ST – Press release on unrest in Yirol Boys Primary School