S. Sudan’s Kiir, governors discuss legality of state governors
May 11, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudanese president, Salva Kiir met the country’s governors and the chief administrators of Abyei and Pibor to discuss the legality of their stay in power after parliament extended Kiir’s mandate and that of national lawmakers.
“The president gave a general briefing on the general situation of the country, the issue of peace and the general political situation of the country,” the governor of Eastern Equatoria, Louise Lojore said.
“The governors and chief administrators of Abyei and Greater Pibor also briefed the president on security and happenings in their states and administrative areas,” he added.
The closed-door meeting reportedly discussed means of reaching a peace agreement with the armed opposition faction led by the country’s former vice-president Riek Machar.
Although the mandates of the 10 state governors expire this month, parliament passed a resolution, which saw the extension of the term in office of the president and national lawmakers for three more years.
“The recommendations and the resolutions of the national parliaments about the extension of the States Governors’ office were discussed and the issue has been referred to the law experts particularly the ministry of justice and the advisor to the president on legal affairs to see on how those resolutions of the parliament can be harmonised with the state constitutions,” said governor Lojore.
Some state assemblies, including Jonglei and Upper Nile, have already amended their constitutions before the July expiry deadline.
(ST)