Warrap youth split over appointment of deputy chairperson
November 12, 2014 (JUBA) – The leadership of South Sudan’s Warrap Youth Union Council is sharply divided over the manner in which the new deputy chairperson was appointed, with some calling it an unconstitutional and unacceptable.
Santino Manut, a member of the youth group allied to the chairperson Benjamin Bang Bang, rejected claims the process contravened proper procedures.
“Common sense and logic dictates an elected person should have some powers, including the prerogative to nominate and appoint his deputy. This was what happened,” he told Sudan Tribune on Wednesday.
According to Manut, who was not in attendance at the meeting himself, Deng Yor was appointed to the position after Bang Bang confirmed his nomination on the recommendation of the council.
However, council member James Jong Deng Akuien argued that its constitution does not allow the chairperson to make any appointment to the leadership.
“The constitution does not give the chairperson any powers to appoint the deputy. The deputy is elected by the council. This is stipulated in article 24 (1), so what happened today is unconstitutional and unacceptable,” he said.
Akol Wek, who is also a council member, said the youth leadership had given the new leader an ultimatum, asking him to reverse the order or face impeachment for going against the rules.
“As youth, we should be the one to set [a] good example and this is why we have rejected the action of the new chairperson,” said Wek.
“He (the chairperson) appointed the deputy by an order which has no basis. What is in the constitution is the deputy chairperson should be elected by the council,” he added.
According to Wek, council members have given the new leader 72 hours to reconsider his decision.
“If he cannot reverse his decision, he would be impeached. The council will convene an extraordinary meeting to discuss the matter and for sure the vote of confidence will be passed to remove him from the office,” he said.
Warrap Youth Union Council comprises of 45 members from six counties.
(ST)