![Chairperson of Economic Cluster of TNLA, Changkuoth Bichiok, presenting the budget in its second reading before the assembly on Wednesday 26th July 2023 [Photo by Sudans Post]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-2.jpg?resize=1031%2C552&ssl=1)
JUBA — The Secretary-General of the Federal Democratic Party (FDP), Changkuoth Bichiock, has rejected a decision to expel him from the party, accusing its chairperson, Higher Education Minister Gabriel Changson Chang, of dictatorship and nepotism.
Bichiock, who also serves as the Chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Energy and Dams, was dismissed by FDP Chairperson Changson on Monday over allegations of insubordination, gross misconduct, and sowing divisions within the party.
However, Bichiock dismissed the expulsion as “null and void,” arguing that party members can only be expelled through a formal process that begins with an investigation of the charges against them.
“For those who may not know, Hon. Changkuoth is the Secretary General of the Federal Democratic Party and cannot be expelled from the party except after following elaborate procedures starting with an investigation committee to look into the charges levelled against him,” Bichiock said in a statement extended to Sudans Post on Monday.
“Followed by a disciplinary committee if there is a prima facie reason to press with the charges and then the Leadership Council as the authority that can take actions on charges against leaders of the party. All these procedures were not done, rendering the decision of Changson Chang as null and void.”
Bichiock accused the party leader of dictatorship and nepotism, adding that the party leadership would meet soon to address the issue.
“Changson has been acting in a dictatorial manner, and we have been advising him to desist from such practices. However, it seems that he is set on continuing with this approach. Therefore, the party leadership will be meeting anytime now to consider the next steps regarding his gross violation of the constitution,” he said.
He argued that the five points Changson cited as grounds for his expulsion were too general and lacked specific incidents or actions that might have infringed upon the party’s constitution.
“Now, after more than one month, and realizing that the Conduct of Business Regulations of the National Assembly cannot allow any further delay as per the TNLA Conduct of Business Regulations 125, sub-regulation 5, he accepted the new committee,” he said.
“But wanted Hon. Changkuoth Bichiock resigned from it so that Changson gives it to his relative (Hon. Tut Gatkek Tut, who is currently a member of the Council of State) or else he will dismiss him from Parliament and the Party.”
“So, the issue was no longer rejection of the new committee by Hon. Changkuoth Bichiock. The party members advised him to take up his responsibilities in the new committee to conform to the Conduct of Business Regulations 125 (5) so as not to lose the position for good,” he said.
