IO-appointed Akobo County commissioner defies suspension by Jonglei governor

JUBA – The commissioner of Akobo County of South Sudan’s Jonglei state has defied suspension by the state governor saying Governor Denay Jock Chagor has no right to suspend him without the consent of the main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO).

Commissioner Gatwech Reat Deng was appointed Akobo County Commissioner in February last year when the state government was revitalized by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, but last Sunday, Governor Chagor suspended him.

The governor did not cite any reason as to why he suspended the commissioner and did not also named a replacement. He instead said the executive director in the area will work as the acting commissioner until further notice.

But in an interview with the Juba-based Eye Radio, Commissioner Deng said his suspension by the governor is illegal because the SPLM-IO which nominated him under First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny is not aware of as to why he had to be suspended by the governor.

“My party is even not aware because the governor did not consult them. I don’t have anything to say because I don’t see any reason for the governor to suspend me,” Commissioner Deng said.

“I expected that if there is need to suspend or relief me, I need to be served with an official letter as well, this came like a surprise to me,” he added.