N. Bahr el Ghazal lawmakers split over chief whip’s removal

April 22, 2015 (JUBA) – MPs in South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal state are sharply divided over the manner in which the government chief whip was removed from his position, claiming he has abandoned his role.

State legislator Angok Achuol told Sudan Tribune on Tuesday that the leadership felt it would be wise to remove the chief whip who had allegedly abandoned his duties and roles in the assembly.

In a separate interview, the chief whip protested his removal, saying MPs had no authority to remove him since he was appointed by the governor.

“Yes, I heard some members decided to replace me from parliamentary caucus and put Deng Ayom in the place until when arrangement is made,” Upuothmalo told Sudan Tribune.

“I do not have a problem with that because this is within the competence of the house. What is not within the competence of the house is their claim to have removed me from the government chief whip. This is outside the competence of the house,” he added.

He vowed to remain in the role until a new governor is appointed, saying the decision would be up to him.

Northern Bahr el Ghazal’s former deputy speaker, Athiang Manok Athing, has also provided full support of the chief whip’s comments.

“The government chief whip is never the competence of the state legislative assembly. It is like in the national assembly, the chief whip is appointed by the president. In the states, they are appointed by the governors. The assembly has no constitutional role in the appointment and dismissal at all,” Athiang said on Wednesday, describing the assembly’s decision as “unconstitutional and illegal”.

(ST)