Kiir says he rushed to appoint Upper Nile governor out of fears Machar ‘may change his mind again’

JUBA – South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Saturday joked during the inauguration ceremony of the newly appointed governors of Upper Nile and Warrap state saying he had to rush to appoint the newly submitted nominee of the SPLM-IO because he feared his fist deputy Dr. Riek Machar may change his mind.

In a surprise Republican order on Friday, President Salva Kiir Mayardit appointed Abudhok Ayang as governor of the oil-rich Upper Nile state ending months of deadlock between Kiir and Machar.

Speaking following oath-taking by Abudhok, Kiir expressed happiness for Machar saying he didn’t believe had accepted to change General Johnson Olony Thabo saying he had to rush to appoint the new SPLM-IO nominee because he fears Machar would change his mind and install Olony.

“When I  got the letter of Dr. Riek [Machar] that he has changed his nominee and brought me Honorable Abudhok, I immediately rushed to the council of ministers I didn’t wait again because Riek Machar may change his mind,” Kiir said to a laughing audience.

The South Sudanese head of state further appealed to the newly-appointed governor and his deputy Tor Monybuny to work together and reconcile the people of Upper Nile state which he said will help advance security and stability in the state.