Agade Obang, the newly appointed minister for labour in South Sudan’s Boma State, has turned down the offer, citing wrong portfolio allocations in the state.

The state governor, David Yau Yau had appointed Obang in a gubernatorial decree issued on Friday last week.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj Tuesday, Obang said he rejected the appointment for fear of inciting violence among greater Pochalla communities since the ministerial portfolio is meant for Pochalla North County.

 “Pochalla is geographically divided into southern and northern parts. This position is for Pochalla North County. I rejected the appointment because it may cause misunderstandings among communities,” said Obang.

“Another reason is that I resigned as a director in the governor’s office in February over family issues. I still need time to handle my family affairs,” he added.

 He urged communities in the greater Pochalla area to remain calm.

 Obang, who hails from Pochalla South County, was to succeed Boutrus Ochalla, a former minister from Pochalla North County.

The governor could not immediately be reached for comment.

Last week, Governor David Yau Yau partly reshuffled his cabinet in a series of gubernatorial decrees.