The ousted chief whip of the Northern Bahr el Ghazal Assembly Benson Opuothmalo told journalists in Aweil on Tuesday that his removal from his position was illegal and he threatened to boycott the parliament completely, claiming the full backing of his constituency.
Benson was removed by SPLM caucus members who accused him of having opposed the impeachment of the former caretaker Governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Kuel Aguer Kuel. He was accused of having turned himself into a ‘minority leader’ rather than representing the party.
Kuel’s removal came after a dispute with General Paul Malong Awan in January 2015, which created a split within the ruling party.
According to the ousted chief whip, he used to be number three in protocol after the speaker and deputy speaker but he has now been demoted to number 49.
“They put my chair in 49 which is the last number of Northern Bahr el Ghazal members of parliament… I told them my decision: I will not attend the sitting as mere MP because I am still a government chief whip till another decree which fires me appears,” said Benson
Benson represents Awada constituency of Aweil Center County.