Sudan’s Gezira state governor calls it quits

April 24, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The Gezira state legislative council on Thursday unanimously accepted the resignation of governor Al-Zubair Bashir Taha in accordance with Article 46/1 of the state’s 2005 interim constitution.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Taha announced that he is stepping down on instructions from president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir who wanted to bring changes at the state level. He noted that he grudgingly agreed to assume the post back in 2009.

The ex-governor has seen mutiny within the ranks of his government and the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) after conducting a cabinet reshuffle which was widely rejected and led to a series of resignations from the party in the state.

Taha came under intense pressure from the federal government to step down which he initially resisted according to reports.

Sudan’s constitution allows the president to relieve a governor only if he declares a state of emergency in the state.

In his resignation letter, the outgoing governor hailed the state parliament and the people of the state during his term. The legislative assembly for its part praised the performance and achievements of Taha.

(ST)