In a petition dated September 3, 2025, and addressed to President Salva Kiir Mayardit in his capacity as SPLM Chairman, at least 16 party officials alleged that Dr Gai’s leadership has plunged Jonglei into a worsening political, social, and economic crisis. They warned that unless urgent action is taken, the state risks sliding into deeper instability.
The officials accused the governor of sidelining party structures, shutting down the state parliament, and making unilateral decisions that have heightened tensions among communities. One of the petitioners, Gabriel Deng Ajak, said Dr. Gai had been creating new payams (administrative divisions) on disputed lands, a move he described as fueling communal conflict.
“The governor has been creating payams on disputed lands, giving one side rights while denying others of the same land,” Deng alleged.
He further charged that Dr Gai has largely been running the state from Juba instead of Bor, Jonglei’s capital, while avoiding cabinet and parliamentary oversight.
“The governor has not been in the state to provide a platform for accountability. There have been no cabinet meetings, and the creation of new payams has been done without the involvement of parliament or the local government,” Deng said.
According to him, the State Parliament has remained closed for more than six months, despite requests from the Speaker to reopen it. “The governor refused, knowing that the legitimacy of his decrees would be questioned,” he added.
The petition, signed by SPLM members from Bor, Akobo, Uror, Twic East, and Pigi counties, listed grievances ranging from poor governance to the erosion of SPLM’s credibility in the state. Among the signatories are Mabil Makuach Dau (Pigi), Abraham Ateny Bheer (Bor), Lual Monyluak Dau (Pigi), Johnson Simon Lul (Akobo), and Atem Duot Atem (Twic East).
Responding to the accusations, Manath Gany, Press Secretary in the Office of the Governor, confirmed awareness of the petition but played down its seriousness.
“We have seen the petition, and the office of the governor is investigating. Once details are available, we will provide them,” Gany said.
Dr. Riek Gai Kok, a veteran SPLM figure and former national minister, was appointed Governor of Jonglei State in March 2025, replacing Mahjoub Biel Turuk.
