SPLM party accuses Jonglei governor of disrespecting deputy

BOR – South Sudan’s ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) party in Jonglei State has accused Governor Mahjoub Biel Turuk of disrespecting his deputy, Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk, who was appointed on the SPLM ticket.

On November 2, 2024, Governor Mahjoub, a member of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) and appointed under the terms of the revitalized peace agreement, issued a directive canceling administrative orders issued by his deputy was an acting governor on his absence.

David Anyang Nyuon, acting secretary for the SPLM in Jonglei State, told Sudans Post in an interview that Governor Turuk has repeatedly undermined the role of his deputy since his appointment to the Jonglei gubernatorial position.

“Not all the time that our chairpersons or deputy governors are mistreated in the government no, we are majority in term of presentation here, but it is necessary for other political parties to make our leaders suffer in their hands,” Nyuon said.

He added that Governor Turuk has excluded his deputy from the process of appointing state officials.

“Official letters and dignitaries’ communications between the two principals, like Recommendation meant for certain local appointments like the case of Mayor, addressed to the Governor have always been shared with unconcerned individuals, this is lack of confidentiality, and a ploy to collide the SPLM members,” Nyuon said.

Nyuon further urged Governor Turuk to embrace the spirit of dialogue called for by the R-ARCSS.

For his part, Mahjoub’s press secretary Biel Jiek Lual, rejected the allegations, stating that the governor is committed to the unity of the people of Jonglei State.

“The Governor has never ever taken side. He doesn’t see himself as a Chairperson of a Party; rather, he sees himself as the leader for all the people of Jonglei State regardless of their Political, religious and social affiliations,” Lual said in a statement.

“He will never allow himself to be distracted from Serving the people of Jonglei State by issues of less importance,” he added.

Lual further stated, “The Allegation that the Governor frustrates the peace efforts in Jonglei State showed how uniformed are those who said so. Governor Mahjoub is very much committed to peace and Stability in the entire Jonglei State.”