Central Equatoria State Information Minister Soba Samuel Manase has responded to criticism by presidential spokesman Ateny Wek calling a statement made by Governor Konga last week ‘irresponsible.’
The governor speaking on Friday described the ongoing conflict in the country as a war “between the Dinka and the Nuer” and urged Equatorians to stay out of the fight between these “two big tribes,” resisting mobilization for one warring party or the other.
Over the weekend the Press Secretary in the Office of the President responded in the media describing as “irresponsible” and “unfortunate” the remarks made by the Central Equatoria governor. He stressed, “We believe the current war is not a war between the Dinka and Nuer but a war caused by people who wanted to change the government through unconstitutional means.”
Speaking at a news conference at the Central Equatoria Sate Secretariat today, Soba Samuel said that the governor’s statement does not require explanation and defended the reputation of the governor as a man of unity: “He is the ardent supporters of constitutionalism, law and order – so the integrity, principle, and the resolve of H.E the Governor cannot be put to the test by Comrade Ateny Wek Ateny.”
He said that if there is a statement from the governor displeasing to other authorities, then “Why they don’t use the established government structures to find out what went wrong instead of using media?” asked Soba.
“If it is irresponsible and unfortunate for the Governor Maj. Gen Clement Wani Konga to urge Equatorians to uphold peace and unity, then I think Ateny Wek has his own version of advice which we are yet to hear.”
Photo: Gov. Clement Wani Konga speaking on Friday, 9 January 2015